CDAs veritable platforms for anti-graft war at grassroots, says Ogun Govt.
NAN-H-10
CDAs
By Ikemefuna Taire Okudolo
Ikorodu (Lagos State), Sept. 20, 2016 (NAN) Ogun Government says community development associations (CDAs) will be used to take the national anti-graft campaign to the grassroots.
It said CDAs were key to the success of the anti-corruption war in the country.
The government, speaking through Mr Moshood Rasheed, Deputy Director, Community Development Department, Sagamu Local Government, said embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds from CDA level to the highest level of leadership should be eradicated.
“Many community leaders are facing probes by the anti-corruption agencies of the Federal Government for their misconduct while in office.
“Corrupt CDA leaders will not be spared in the war against corruption as being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“CDAs are organs recognised by state and local government laws and that is why their affairs are regulated by the government.
“The government will no longer tolerate mismanagement and other forms of corrupt practices by CDAs,’’ he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ikorodu at the inauguration of Ereko CDA, a Lagos/Ogun border community.
Rasheed urged exemplary conduct and selfless service by the grassroots leaders.
The official also task CDAs to also join start and national electoral bodies in stepping up voter education in their communities.
In her comment, Mrs Silifat Orekoya, from the State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, also said CDAs should promote transparency and accountability in the running of their affairs.
“The government is focusing on CDAs because of their strategic importance to the rapid transformation of the rural areas.
“In a recession like ours, CDAs should come on board to provide infrastructure such as roads, street lights and water,’’ she said.
The 12-member executive committee is chaired by Mr Moshood Adesanya, while Mr Taiwo Bakre serves as the Secretary and Mr Muideen Yusuf, the Financial Secretary.
Meanwhile, a retired police officer, who is an executive member of Ereko CDA, Mr John Atodo, has promised to bring his experience to bear in the running of the association.
He told NAN after the inauguration that the era of appropriating CDA funds was over.
“We will ensure regular audit of the finances of the association for accountability.
“Regular inspection of CDA activities by government officials is a welcome development.’’ (NAN)
PTI/DA
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(Edited & controlled by Dele Akinsola)