Anger, Hunger, and Frustration Hit Abia LGAs Over Lack of Funding: Hon. Ngwakwe Cries Out

Tension is rising across Abia State’s local government areas as widespread hunger, anger, and frustration take hold at the grassroots following what local representatives describe as insufficient funding for local administrations.

Hon. Ngwakwe, Councillor representing Osokwa Ward in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, has publicly lamented the worsening conditions, accusing the state government of starving the local councils of funds.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Hon. Ngwakwe said councillors and local appointees have been reduced to “the level of beggars” due to the alleged central control of local government allocations by the state government.

He stated that the inability of local governments to access their monthly federal allocations has made it almost impossible for councillors to meet the expectations of their constituents.

“The grassroots suffer because the local government runs without funds,” Ngwakwe wrote. “There’s a lot of pressure coming from our constituents in the 10 wards of Osisioma Ngwa. Councilors are going through depression because they can’t meet the basic demands of their people.”

He explained that residents no longer trust local representatives, as many of them believe that the councillors have failed to deliver on campaign promises, not knowing that the problem lies in the structure of fund control.

According to Ngwakwe, “Our people are not asking for much. What they need are basic things the government should provide. Sadly, we have been rendered powerless because the system in Abia makes councillors almost useless.”

Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Local Government Act, he noted that local councils are supposed to manage their own allocations independently. He accused the state government of breaching this provision by retaining control of funds meant for grassroots development.

“As the leader of the 7th Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council, I can tell you that everything about funds and projects is done at Government House, Umuahia, instead of the local council. This is against the law,” he added.

Ngwakwe emphasized that the 10 councillors in Osisioma Ngwa are willing to work for their people but lack the resources to execute meaningful projects. He revealed that most of the projects currently being done in various wards are funded either from councillors’ personal pockets or through private support from friends and political leaders.

He urged Abians, especially residents of Osisioma Ngwa, to understand the challenges faced by their representatives and join in demanding accountability and transparency in the management of local government allocations.

“The funds allocated to Osisioma Ngwa are enough to improve our communities, but we don’t have access to them,” he concluded. “Abia State controls the local government money, and this must stop.”

Hon. Ngwakwe’s statement echoes long-standing debates over local government autonomy in Nigeria, with many calling for the full implementation of constitutional provisions that guarantee independent financial management at the grassroots level.