The Lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly, Representative Bamidele Salam, has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s withholding of local government allocations due to Osun State for four months.
Describing the action as unconstitutional, illegal, and inhumane.
Rep. Salam made his remarks during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.
Commenting on the issue, he stated:
“I find it difficult to believe that this was done with the express approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I know President Tinubu to be a democrat, a fighter, and a man who stands for social justice—especially in political struggles. This is the same man who resisted former President Olusegun Obasanjo when a similar action was taken to withhold local government funds in Lagos State.
Therefore, I find it hard to accept that he would approve the withholding of funds meant for the salaries of local government workers, the operation of primary healthcare facilities, the maintenance of local roads, and the provision of essential amenities such as boreholes. I believe certain individuals within the system are playing politics with this matter.”
On the issue of local government autonomy, Rep. Salam commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law:
“Governor Adeleke deserves recognition for being among the very few governors who implemented the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government administration. Immediately after the ruling, unlike some of his counterparts, he dissolved all caretaker committees and set the machinery in motion for the conduct of local government elections in Osun State. After a one-year notice, elections were held, and chairmen and councillors were duly elected in accordance with the law.”
Rep. Salam reiterated that the withholding of Osun’s local government allocation is not only unconstitutional and illegal but also politically motivated and inhumane.
Addressing political speculations, he firmly dismissed any notion of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC):
“I have no plans to join the APC. Governor Ademola Adeleke is my leader, and he is performing excellently. He is inclusive in his leadership style and consults with all stakeholders before making major decisions. Just a few weeks ago, he convened a stakeholders’ meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, where he reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the party that entrusted him with the mandate to govern. He is doing remarkably well, and the people of Osun State are pleased with his leadership.”
