Tensions have heightened among the newly appointed caretaker chairmen overseeing the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ondo State amid fears of possible sackings by the acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
News About Nigeria gathered that the unease follows the freezing of the accounts of the local councils by Aiyedatiwa, who also issued an order prohibiting the newly created LCDAs from opening new accounts.
In a letter addressed to the local councils, the acting governor’s directive stated: “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency, the acting governor of Ondo state, had directed that all spending/expenditure from the local government account should be suspended.
“No signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive. Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
An anonymous caretaker chairman revealed that Aiyedatiwa’s decision to freeze the accounts was seen as an attempt to establish authority, clear the path for his vision, and carve out a space for himself.
“Yes, he has blocked the account of the local government. He is doing it to make the caretaker chairmen fall in line ahead of the party primary next year. He believes the local government fund has been diverted,” the caretaker chairman said.
In addition to the freezing of local councils’ accounts, Aiyedatiwa also issued orders regarding his official engagements.
Temporarily, Aiyedatiwa’s official engagements will be prepared and signed by Omojuwa Olusegun, the deputy chief of staff.
This decision was communicated in a letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to State Executive Council members and senior government officials.
“The acting governor of Ondo state, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed me to inform all Members of the State Executive Council and top Government functionaries that the deputy chief of staff to the governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.
“The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”
