The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter, has charged the people of the state to draw closer to God as they start the New Year.
In his new year message, ALGON Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, said that drawing closer to God, hard work and honesty remain the only way people would succeed and achieve their objectives in 2021.
“As we end year 2020, let us count our blessings and thank God for everything. Let us continue to pray for the best in 2021 and continue to draw closer to our creator because that is the only way we can continue to attract His blessings, protection and provision in the new year as individuals, communities, state and a nation,” he said.
Abass-Aleshinloye thanked the people for their support and perseverance, despite the challenges experienced in 2020, like the COVID-19 pandemic; #EndSARS protests and its subsequent hijack by hoodlums, leading to looting and vandalisation of private and public properties.
The ALGON boss said the “sustained illegality and corruption going on at the local government level in Oyo State due to the imposition of unelected local government chairmen by the state government is worrisome and portends danger for the people at the grassroots.”
“We remain grateful to God for helping us to weather the storm and keeping us to see yet another year.
“Presently, we are now experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 and we will advise residents to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the Government and NCDC to curb the spread of the virus.”
“We stand firm on our mandate freely and fairly given by the good people of our respective local government and development areas. We will remain peaceful even in the face of extreme threats and provocation by the Government of Oyo State.
“We reaffirm our confidence in the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary as we look forward to the Supreme Court to uphold its own previous subsisting judgement against illegal dissolution of councils by any governor or state assembly.
“I wish you a happy and bountiful New Year and pray for God’s peace on you and your family,” Abass-Aleshinloye said.
