A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, Jamiu Keshinro has advised the state Governor, prince Dapo Abiodun to start the preparation for the conduct of the next local government election in the state .
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the next councils election would come up in 2024.
The party chieftain in a statement an open letter addressed to the Governor which was he personally signed and made available to newsmen, said “early preparation brings good results.”
Keshinro also advised the Governor against appointment of caretaker chairmen, adding that the constitution does not encourage appointment of caretaker committees.
The letter reads “a Local Government has been described as a third tier of government according to Nigeria constitution and is also the nearest and closest government to the people.
“The Nigerian constitution clearly states that ‘a local government shall be administered by elected council officials’. The same constitution also clearly states the functions of a local government which is:
1. “The main functions of a local government council are as follows:
a. “The consideration and the making of recommendations to a State commission on economic planning or any similar body on –
i. “The economic development of the State, particularly in so far as the areas of authority of the council and of the State are affected, and
ii. “Proposals made by the said commission or body;
b. “Collection of rates, radio and television licences;
c. “Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes for the destitute or infirm;
d. “Licensing of bicycles, trucks other than mechanically propelled trucks., canoes, wheel barrows and carts;
e. “Establishment, maintenance and regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets, motor parks and public conveniences;
f. “Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, street lightings, drains and other public highways, parks, gardens, open spaces, or such public facilities as may be prescribed from time to time by the House of Assembly of a State;
g. “Naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses;
h. “Provision and maintenance of public conveniences, sewage and refuse disposal;
i. “Registration of all births, deaths and marriages;
j. “Assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of a State; and
k. “Control and regulation of –
i. “Out-door advertising and hoarding,
ii. “Movement and keeping of pets of all description,
iii. “Shops and kiosks,
iv. “Restaurants, bakeries and other places for sale of food to the public,
v. “Laundries, and
vi. “Licensing, regulation and control of the sale of liquor.
2. “The functions of a local government council shall include participation of such council in the Government of a State as respects the following matters –
“The provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education;
b. “The development of agriculture and natural resources, other than the exploitation of materials
c. “The provision and maintenance of health services; and
d. Such other functions as may be conferred on a local government council by the House of Assembly of the State.
“Importantly therefore, because of the critical role a local government plays in the lives of the grassroot people, i am calling on H.E Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR CON, to as a matter of urgency start the preparation towards conducting the next LG election which should come up towards the expiration of this current council officials in 2024. Early preparation brings good results. The constitution does not encourage appointment of caretaker committees when in actual fact you have enough time to prepare for an election.
“Let me remind you sir that, in this Ogun State, your predecessors (OGD and SIA) conducted LG election twice in their 2 terms when they were governors and yours must not be an exception. OGD conducted LG election in April 2004 and also in December 2007 while Amosun did his own LG election in July 2012 and in October 2016. The beauty of having an election in 2024, will ensure that by the time you are leaving office in 2027 May, the 2024 elected council officials would also be completing theirs in July 2027.
“One year is enough to prepare for an election. Please empower OGSIEC now.
“I wish the current holders of our council offices a successful end. I equally wish you a huge success in your 2nd term in office.
Igbega Ipinle Ogun ajose gbogbo wa ni.
Thank you sir and God bless
Hon Jamiu Akanji Keshinro writes from Owu Totoro, Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta North.”
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