Lagos State govt dissolves all CDCs and CDAs….orders fresh election
The Lagos State Government has dissolved Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees across the state.
The announcement was contained in the circular issued on July 31st by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa to the Head of Departments of Agric. & Social Services of 20 Local Governments, and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The circular recalled that the Executive Members of the Community Development Associations / Community Development Committees were elected to hold office for a period of 2 years. The dissolved Executives were inaugurated in 2019, hence their tenure elapsed in 2021 (See CDA/CDC Constitution part XI (28).
“To this end, Mr. Governor has approved the dissolution of the present Executive members of CDAs/CDCs across the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the State, She said.
Consequently, The Hod Agric and Social Services was directed to dissolve all Executive Members of CDAs/CDCs in their Local Government/Local Council Development Area with effect from 7th August 2023.
They were further requested to constitute a caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the CDAs/CDCs in your LG/LCDA, pending the determination of new executives by-election and subsequent inauguration of the elected members.
“In compliance with the above, you are to note that ONLY duly registered CDAs with the State are ELIGIBLE for the conduct of election to usher in new Excos. Similarly, the CDAs must have settled all outstanding renewal payments (See CDA/CDC Constitution part IV. Section 13 1 – IV),” The letter read.
“Please, be informed that petitions/complaints emanating from the election should be submitted to the Director, Community Development Department not LATER THAN A WEEK after the election. Petitioners are expected to pay the sum of N10,000:00 to the Lagos State Community Development Advisory
Council Account for Investigation & further necessary action. (See CDA/CDC Constitution part IV. Section 12 I – III).
Kindly give the above the deserved publicity and ensure strict compliance to the schedules,” She added.
A cross section of Lagosians interviewed over the dissolution of the CDCs and CDAs expressed their disenchantment saying Governor Sanwolu did not do well in dissolving them as they expected the CDCs and CDAs to organize their elections once their term expires.
Most of them are of the opinion that CDC and CDA like Local government should be seen as the fifth tier of government in Lagos and as such should enjoy some level of autonomy.
In doing that they should be allowed to nurture and thrive their own genre of democracy by independently organizing their elections as and when due and also have a constitutionally agreed tenure.
This to them will bring harmony and development in the 57 local council development areas of Lagos State.
