LG Autonomy: Akeem Ambali Canvasses Council Chairmen, Obas, Religion Leaders, Others
By Olusola Ilori
The National President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Comrade Akeem Olatunji Ambali today, 22nd March, 2022, took the bull by the horn by leading an Autonomy Rally in his Local Government of origin, Ijebu East, Ogbere, Ogun State.
Following a directive by the National Leadership of the Union under his administration, that rallies be held in all the Seven Hundred and Seventy-Four Local Government Councils (774) in Nigeria to further demand full support of State Houses of Assembly members in the on-going agitation for the Local government Autonomy.
While appraising efforts of the National Assembly members on the passage of the Autonomy Bill, Comrade Ambali said charity begins at home, which is the reason for his home coming, to solicit for the full support of the traditional rulers, Council Chairmen, and Religion Leaders in appealing to the State House of Assembly member, representing Ijebu East Local Government, Ogbere, to vote in support of the autonomy.
Akeem Ambali further analysed the need of granting autonomy to the Local government as third tier government, such as; stoppage of payment of Local government allocation into State Government Controlled Account known as Joint Allocation Account Committee, JAAC. No autonomy, no grassroot development” Ambali added.
The Executive Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government, Ogbere, Honourable Wale Adedayo, while welcoming Comrade Akeem Ambali, the National President of NULGE, earlier, to his office at the Council Secretariat, Ogbere, commended the efforts of Comrade Ambali for his bold steps on the passage of Autonomy Bill by the lawmakers.
The Council Chairman added that, adopting the Bill will bring succour to all Nigerians especially people at the grassroot.
He therefore, called on well meaning Nigerians to come out en-masse and support the agitations for Autonomy. “Collecting something without the owners consent is never done anywhere” Council Chairman added. He later prayed for the success of the rally.
Among dignitaries at the rally were Secretary to Local Government, Hon Dina Ipaye; Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Faseyi Akindele; His Royal Highness, the Olowu of Owu-Ijebu and Chairman Council of Obas’ in Ijebu East, Oba Micheal Adesina; His Royal Highness the Gboyega of Itele-Ijebu, Oba M. A. Kasali; His Royal Highness, Elesugbon of Esugbon Ijebu-Imushin; His Royal Highness, the Ogirimadagbo of Ilodo, Oba Isiaka Ajede; the Personal Assistant to the NULGE National President, Comrade Patrick Osijo; the Deputy State President of NULGE, Ogun State Council, Comrade Adebayo Adefesobi; the host branch Chairman Ijebu East, Comrade Mayowa Olugbuyi; representatives of Unions, Market women, artisans, Career officers amongst others.