"How Obasanjo Underdeveloped Grassroots in Nigeria": Tinubu Opens Up

• President Bola Tinubu has recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo moved to stop development at the grassroots level when he created the LCDAs as the governor of Lagos state
• Tinubu, at a media chat on Monday, December 23, maintained that Obasanjo's objection to the creation of the LCDAs was a threat to grassroots development
• The president then reiterated that today, the story has changed as there were developments at the LCDAs he created when he was the governor of the state

President Bola Tinubu has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of hindering grassroots development in Nigeria.

He cited the ex-president's objection to creating local councils when he was governor of Lagos state.

Tinubu made this claim during his first presidential media chat on Monday night, December 23. He stated that Obasanjo's opposition to creating Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos state many years ago was a major setback.

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Tinubu reflected on his tenure as governor of Lagos state in the early 2000s, highlighting the challenges he faced in enhancing local governance by creating 37 LCDAs.

However, the federal government under Obasanjo's leadership opposed the initiative, questioning its legality and withholding funds earmarked for local governments in Lagos state. This move, he said, caused significant financial strain on grassroots development.

Tinubu versus Obasanjo on Lagos LCDAs

The dispute between the Lagos state government and the federal government eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of Lagos state and ordered the release of the withheld funds. Despite the court's verdict, the federal government delayed the disbursement, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local governments in the state.

Tinubu defended his initiative, citing its transformative impact on local governance and development. He emphasised that the creation of LCDAs has enabled rapid contact with people at the grassroots level, promoting development and autonomy for local governments. Despite challenges, the president reiterated his administration's commitment to moving Nigeria forward.

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Tinubu's accusations against Obasanjo come amidst the latter's recent criticism of the current administration. Obasanjo had earlier described Nigeria as a "failing state" and accused Tinubu of uninspiring leadership.

See the video of the media chat here:

Tinubu holds first media chat

Legit.ng earlier reported that Tinubu announced his readiness to hold a maiden media chat on Monday, December 23.

Bayo Onanuga, the president's spokesperson, disclosed the development day in a statement.

He said the media chat would allow the president to engage with the media and the Nigerian public on economic, security and other issues.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng