From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos
Peoples Democratic Party PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje yesterday disclosed that the local government structure in Lagos state was non functional He also said that his administration would not tamper with the allocations of local governments if elected.
Agbaje who made this disclosure at a town hall meeting with Residents of Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos, said that all constitutional entitlements of councils would be respected by his administration.
“All funds, finances and duties of the local governments as written in the constitution would be strictly adhered to” he said.
Agbaje decried the current operational system of local government councils in the state, describing them as political machines rather than governance structures.
“The State government has taken over the funds and functions of the councils, “Local government areas in Lagos do not know about building roads any longer.
“Inner roads in the state that should have been maintained by Councils are abandoned to the detriment of tax payers.
“The only roads that are taken care of our major state roads” he said. According to him, States cannot build inner roads that are part of the functions of local governments.
“My administration will ensure that the Councils perform as they should by not interfering in their legitimate entitlements/responsibilities.
“The local governments are the nearest to the grass root people. The only way for them to feel and be part of governance is by ensuring that the council’s provide them the necessary infrastructure” he further said.
