Aregbesola not reckless, says Osun ALGON

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria in Osun State has said Governor Rauf Aregbesola is not financially reckless.

ALGON chairman Soji Ajayi said the government’s inability to pay salaries should not be linked to the alleged misappropriation of state resources. He said doing such was mischievous and sinful.

Ajayi, who appealed to the workers to suspend their strike, said it was unfortunate that they are passing through hard times.

The ALGON chairman praised the workers for their perseverance and understanding.

Ajayi said: “We want to appeal to the workers to suspend their strike. We sympathise with them and I must say that we feel their pains too. It is unfortunate that we’ve found ourselves in this situation. But things will soon be okay.

“The financial crisis we are witnessing in Osun is not Aregbesola’s doing; in fact it is not limited to our state alone.

Twenty-three states are also witnessing the same financial quagmire; 18 of them owe between three to eight months salaries.

“It is sinful and mischievous for anyone to say that the financial challenges in Osun are as a result of the spurious financial recklessness of the governor.

“With all sense of modesty, the accruable resources of the state have been judiciously and prudently managed by the governor.

“The resources of the state have been used for people-centred development and the massive developmental projects across the  state are proportionate to the funds available to the state.

“Aregbesola is prudent and transparent. In a matter of time, Osun will come out strong and Aregbesola cleared and freed.

“We want to appeal to workers to resume work. The strike is affecting the state’s economy.”

A Civil Society Organisation, Osun Progressive Left (OPL), has warned the opposition to stop its “hate campaign” against the government.

The Convener, Wale Adebisi, said any attempt to tamper with the governor’s mandate would be resisted.

He cautioned a civil society organisation, Centre for Human Rights and Justice, allegedly sponsoring the impeachment campaign not to allow its plan cause a breach of public peace.