Osisioma Councillor Quits, Accuses Abia Govt of Fund Blockage

Osisioma Ngwa Council Leader Resigns, Accuses Abia Government of Withholding Local Government Funds

The political leadership crisis in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State deepened this week after the Leader of the Legislative Council, Victor Ngwakwe, tendered his resignation, accusing the Abia State Government of seizing full control of local government finances and rendering councillors powerless.

Ngwakwe, who represents Osokwa Ward, said his decision followed persistent frustration over the state’s alleged refusal to grant councils access to their constitutionally allocated funds. According to him, the move has crippled development at the grassroots level and left councillors unable to deliver basic projects for their communities.

“Our people are not asking for much — just the basic things government should provide. Unfortunately, the state has completely taken over local government funds. Councillors have no access to resources to work with,” he stated.

He further accused the state government of violating provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Local Government Act by managing local allocations centrally from Umuahia, rather than allowing councils to oversee their own finances.

“Everything is done at Government House in Umuahia, which is clearly against what the Constitution stipulates,” Ngwakwe added.

His resignation has brought renewed attention to the long-standing issue of local government autonomy in Abia State. Several councillors, speaking anonymously, confirmed similar grievances.

One councillor revealed that they receive about ₦240,000 monthly, with no involvement in budget decisions or project planning.

“We don’t participate in budgeting, appropriation, or oversight. Projects just happen without our knowledge. Councillors are completely sidelined,” the councillor said.

The crisis reportedly escalated after Ngwakwe publicly questioned how councils receive between ₦400 million and ₦500 million monthly, while councillors are left with minimal stipends.

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“When he raised the issue, some people insisted he must step down. That’s why he resigned a few days ago,” the councillor explained, also criticizing what he described as growing “sycophancy” among councillors who fear political backlash for speaking out.

The Abia State Government has not yet issued an official statement regarding Ngwakwe’s resignation or the financial allegations. Political analysts, however, suggest that the development may rekindle calls for stronger local government autonomy and accountability.

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Meanwhile, the Deputy Leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council has stepped in as acting leader, pending further decisions by the council. The state councillors’ association is yet to comment publicly on the situation.