The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming November election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has called for full autonomy of Local Government Councils, stating it is the fastest way to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
In an exclusive interview with Adamimogo 93.1FM, Lagos, Edema addressed the recent challenge by the Ondo State Government to the Supreme Court to dismiss a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation which seeks full autonomy for the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
Edema stated, “If elected Governor, we will empower local governments to fulfill their obligations. The constitution clearly stipulates that tenement rates, market rents, and other similar fees belong to local governments.”
He argued that effective local governance would help alleviate poverty while allowing the state government to focus on industrialisation.
Edema, who recently left the All-Progressives Congress (APC) for the NNPP, expressed confidence in his ability to win the 2024 Ondo gubernatorial election.
He also questioned the legitimacy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC candidate, claiming there were no primaries.
Addressing concerns about money politics, Edema acknowledged that some politicians have exploited poverty for political gain. However, he distinguished between vote-buying and providing basic welfare for supporters on election day.
“There’s a difference between vote-buying and acts of compassion,” Edema explained. He cited a historical example where the Federal Government, through the SDP, provided delegates with funds to prevent undue influence from political figures.
Edema suggested that if the government is serious about preventing vote-buying, they should task INEC with making welfare provisions for voters on election day.
