The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu has promised a better deal for the Baales (village heads and chiefs) across the state including an improved monthly take home and inclusion in the security strategies at the grassroots.
To achieve this, Adebutu said the financial autonomy would be restored to the Local Government Areas, to allow the third tier of government to perform optimally and drive socio-economic development in the rural areas.
Adebutu spoke on Thursday when he met with the Egba Oke-Ogun Baales and Chiefs at Rounder, Abeokuta, as part of his campaign tour to the Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.
The PDP candidate in company of the party leaders and the legislative houses candidate toured political wards in the council amid a rousing welcome.
Adebutu noted that the ‘killing’ of LG administration in the state has affected the economy and the development of the LGs as well as the finances of the Baales and Chiefs.
He expressed worry that village heads are paid a paltry N5,000 monthly home, which he described as ridiculous.
According to him, the security architecture of the whole community is in your hands (Baales) and we will make sure we carry you along in the fight against insecurity.
“I’m giving you my word, we will return LG autonomy to the people and by implication, you will be part of the system. You would no longer be collecting N5000 as take home. I can not tell exactly what you will be earning but it will be something meaningful.
“If there will be security, you have to be part of the system,” he said.
He told Baales to support his ambition to restore the lost glory of the state.
Adebutu said if he could use his personal income to provide water, electricity and other amenities to communities across the state, he would do better with the state’s funds if elected as the next governor.
“I can only do a little with my money, I can spend billions on transformers and give to all the communities in need of it. That’s if we are in government. But for now, I can only do a little with my personal money.
“I want to assure you that if you vote for PDP, you won’t regret it. And I promise that I will serve you, diligently,” he said.
The Chairman of the Baales and Baale of Onisasa, Oyejide Jelili assured Adebutu of his colleagues’ support and urged him to address the plight of the village heads if elected.
Earlier, Adebutu had visited the Arewa Community at Sabo, where the Sarkin Hausawa of Egbaland, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Hassan assured him of the support of the community during the coming election.
“You’re our person. All the Sarkis in Ogun State love you and they support you. We can’t be saying everything openly.
Our youths are in support of your ambition and they are ready to vote for you. All our women have PVCs and they will vote for you.
“We are behind, we are with you and by God’s grace you will be victorious,” Sarkin Hassan told Adebutu.
On his part, Adebutu preached unity and oneness of Nigeria, saying “No Nigerian should be called non-indigene just because he or she comes from a different part of the country.”
He promised to give opportunities to the Arewa youths to serve in his government to create a sense of belonging that “we are all one in Nigeria.”
At the final rally, many residents of Abeokuta North LG went home with huge cash prizes and other gifts after a raffle draw, introduced by Adebutu to provide succour to the needy.
Four people went home with N25, 000 each, two won N50,000 each, while another person got N100,000 cash gift.
Other lucky winners went home with, two grinding machines, three sewing machines , two motorcycles, generating sets and two laptops
The State Chairman of PDP, Sikirullahi Ogundele asked them to vote APC out of government due to hardship created by the administration.
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