By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
Oyo State Government said the suit before an Abuja Federal High Court resulting in the interim order ordering OYSIEC not to proceed with its plan to conduct local government election slated for February 11 was not orchestrated by the government.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun stated this in Ibadan while answering a question during a press briefing .
Mr Arulogun pointed out that “it is a misrepresentation of facts for some individuals and groups to insinuate that the state government orchestrated the suit”,
According to him, it would be “unreasonable for the Oyo State Government to go to court to seek an order aimed at crippling the finances of local governments in the state at a very critical time such as this”.
The Commissioner stated “the order of the court had far reaching implications on the Government and the governed in the state”.
Mr Arulogun maintained that the state government on its part has shown readiness for the conduct of the elections by instituting OYSIEC, setting a date for elections, releasing funds for OYSIEC, printing of election materials and purchase of utility vehicles, saying, “only a mischievous and cynical mind would doubt the government’s commitment to conduct the elections given the amount of evidence indicating the contrary”.
Speaking, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said majority of the people of the state had embraced the new LCDAs and demonstrated support by volunteering and pledging buildings as offices and homes, furniture and other essentials towards the successful take – off of the new LCDAs.
Mr Kolade then urged the people of Oyo state to remain calm and assured them that government will implement the LCDAs as an actualization of the yearnings of the people.
The press conference was also attended by the Special adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka,
