FG’s Direct Allocation to LGAs Delayed by Ongoing Processes; ALGON Praises Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers –

The Federal Government’s implementation of direct allocation to Local Government Areas (LGAs) is still in progress, according to Hon. Odunayo Alegbere, Chairman of the ALGON Board of Trustees. He stated that LGAs have been directed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the process, which is a step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment on financial autonomy for local governments
Alegbere commended the Federal Government’s efforts, emphasizing that direct allocation will help alleviate poverty at the grassroots level by giving local governments greater control over their finances and projects. He criticized the current system where state governments conduct local government elections, describing it as more of a selection process than a true election. He expressed optimism that ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly will address this issue.

Some key facts are :
Poverty Eradication: Direct allocation is expected to significantly reduce poverty at the grassroots level.
Free and Fair Elections: ALGON is advocating for the removal of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and the establishment of a national body to conduct local government elections.
Insecurity: Alegbere attributed Nigeria’s insecurity challenges to the dysfunction of the local government system. He proposed integrating traditional institutions into the local government structure to enhance security efforts.
Traditional Institutions: ALGON believes that incorporating traditional leaders will improve local governance and security.
Rivers State Crisis: Alegbere praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it prevented a civil war.
ALGON Leadership: Alegbere clarified that he is the legitimate leader of ALGON, dismissing claims from fractional groups.
Alegbere expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the local government system and pledged ALGON’s continued cooperation.