The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State has cautioned local government chairmen in the state against yielding to pressure from Governor Seyi Makinde that might lead them into legal trouble.
The party issued this warning through a statement released to CIRCLESONTV on Monday.
The Supreme Court had previously granted autonomy to local government areas in the country, but according to reports from CIRCLESONTV, local government chairmen in the state expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to grant autonomy to local government areas.
The local government chairmen in the state had also decided to withdraw from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and establish their umbrella association.
In response, the APC cautioned the local government chairmen not to contravene the judgment of the Supreme Court.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the party warned chairmen and career officers in all the 33 local government councils across the state to distance themselves from any attempt by Governor Makinde to undermine the verdict of the Supreme Court.
Sadare, in a statement released to CIRCLESONTV on Monday, warned the local government chairmen and career officers in the councils that aligning with the governor's actions might lead to legal repercussions.
In the statement, Sadare accused Makinde of covetousness and a lack of respect for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
"The gravity of the damage done to the third tier of government in Oyo State over the last 62 months became evident when Governor Makinde openly criticized both the federal government and the Judiciary regarding financial autonomy.
"The governor has vehemently advocated for a reversal of the verdict, which many consider a victory for the masses. Regrettably for Governor Makinde, his recent actions have substantiated the allegations of misappropriation of council funds made against him by our Party (APC) and others.
"It is now evident that the PDP governor had planned an 8-year scheme to embezzle LGA funds, which was thwarted by the celebrated Supreme Court verdict.
The decision of the Apex Court is binding, notwithstanding his (Makinde's) refusal to acknowledge it. Moreover, Oyo State is a constituent part of Nigeria, and it is inappropriate for a governor to assert 'sovereignty' while depending on federal government support and allocations to govern his state."