Adebutu Promises Full Local Government Autonomy, Alleges Diversion of LG Funds
Former Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, has alleged that state governors across Nigeria divert funds meant for local governments, pledging to guarantee full financial and administrative autonomy for local councils if elected governor.
Speaking during a political engagement, Adebutu argued that genuine grassroots development cannot be achieved unless local governments are allowed to operate independently with direct access to their constitutionally allocated funds.
He maintained that local government councils remain the closest tier of government to the people and should be empowered to deliver essential services, including primary healthcare, basic education, rural road construction, sanitation and community development projects.
According to the PDP chieftain, granting full autonomy to local governments would enhance accountability, improve service delivery and accelerate development at the grassroots.
Adebutu said that, if elected, his administration would fully implement local government autonomy in line with constitutional provisions and ensure that council funds are utilised strictly for projects that directly benefit residents.
He stressed that empowering local councils would strengthen democratic governance, improve transparency and enable communities to determine their own development priorities without undue interference.
The PDP leader also urged Nigerians to support reforms that would make local governments more effective, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
His comments come amid ongoing national conversations on local government financial independence following judicial and policy efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots governance across the country.
