The leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council in Abia State, Hon. Victor Ngwakwe, has resigned from his position after expressing concern about how local government funds are being managed by the state government.
Ngwakwe, who represents Osokwa Ward, reportedly stepped down due to frustration over the lack of direct access to funds meant for his council.
He claimed that councillors across the state are under pressure from their communities to deliver basic projects, yet they are not given the resources to meet those expectations.
According to information gathered, Ngwakwe accused the Abia State Government of centralising local government allocations in Umuahia, contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Local Government Act, which give councils the right to manage their own finances.
Another councillor, who preferred not to be named, confirmed that members of local legislative councils in the state earn N240,000 monthly but have no say in how project funds are used.
The councillor noted that local government budgets are not discussed or approved by council members and that projects are executed without their input or oversight.
Ngwakwe’s resignation reportedly followed a disagreement that lasted several weeks after he publicly questioned how councils could receive hundreds of millions in allocations, yet councillors receive little financial support.
The development has sparked public concern about the level of transparency in the management of local government funds in Abia State.
Some councillors described the situation as discouraging, citing widespread sycophancy and a lack of autonomy at the local level.
Following Ngwakwe’s resignation, the deputy leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council has been appointed to act in his place.
As of the time of this report, the Abia State Government and the state councillors’ association have not issued any official statements regarding the issue.