The Leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council in Abia State, Victor Ngwakwe, has resigned his position, citing frustration over what he described as the complete takeover of local government funds by the Abia State Government.
Ngwakwe, who represents Osokwa Ward, said councillors have been rendered ineffective due to the denial of access to local government allocations, which he claims are centrally controlled from Umuahia, the state capital.
“Our people are not asking for too much, just the basic services that government is supposed to provide,” Ngwakwe said.
“But unfortunately, councillors have no resources to meet these expectations. The state government has taken over everything, and the grassroots are suffering for it.”
He accused the state government of violating the 1999 Constitution and the Local Government Act, which prescribe financial autonomy for local councils.
Ngwakwe alleged that all financial decisions are made at the Government House in Umuahia, sidelining elected local representatives.
Ngwakwe’s resignation has spotlighted long-standing concerns about the lack of financial independence at the local government level in Abia.
A fellow councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, corroborated the allegations.
“We receive N240,000 monthly as councillors, and that’s all. We don’t see budgets, we’re not involved in project planning or execution, and we have no idea how funds are spent,” the councillor said.
“It’s like we’re just figureheads. We don’t approve budgets, we don’t monitor spending, yet the councils reportedly receive over ₦400 million to ₦500 million monthly.”
The councillor claimed that the pressure on Ngwakwe to resign intensified after he publicly questioned how such large sums are managed without transparency or councillor input.
“He posted online asking why we get only N240,000 when the councils receive hundreds of millions. That post made the powers that be uncomfortable, and shortly after, he was forced to resign.”
The source also described a climate of fear and sycophancy within the local government system, saying many councillors avoid speaking out to protect their political futures.
“Too many councillors are afraid to challenge the status quo. Sycophancy has become the norm in Abia. Anyone who speaks out is seen as a troublemaker.”
Ngwakwe’s resignation has renewed public debate about local government autonomy and financial transparency in Abia State.
Analysts say the incident could spark broader demands for reform and legislative accountability at the grassroots level.
As of press time, the Abia State Government has not issued an official response to the allegations or the resignation.
The Deputy Leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council has reportedly assumed the role of Acting Leader, pending further decisions.
The Councillors’ Association of Abia State has also not commented on the matter.
