Nigeria, March 21 -- The Ondo State Government has defended its proposal to create Local Councils Development Areas (LCDAs) amid criticisms that it is embarking on a wild goose chase.

The government has already set up an 11-man committee to look into the proposal and make recommendations on the number and nature of the LCDAs to be created and has about 90 days to complete its work.

The Lanke Odogiyan-led committee is expected to receive both written and oral memoranda from the public, screen all memoranda and make recommendations to the state government.

The state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has explained that the proposed LCDAs would ensure rapid development and bring governance closer to the grassroots.

But an Ondo State-based group...