TROUBLE FOR ABIA ALGON AS GROUP THREATENS LAWSUIT OVER NON PERFORMANCE

A Rights Group, The Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity (ACJE), has issued a 30-day ultimatum to local government area Chairmen and councilors in the seventeen local government areas in Abia State to make public their 2024 and 2025 budgetary performance or face legal action.

The group in a statement on Saturday, February 21, 2025 questioned the whereabouts of the funds allocated to these local governments, demanding transparency and accountability from these local government officials.

The statement which was signed by the Convener of the group, Comrade Okwute Otuonye expressed dismay over what it termed “glaring non-performance of Local Government Chairmen and councilors in Abia State, despite publicly admitting to receiving their monthly federal allocation”.

The group described the situation as unacceptable.

“The Abia Coalition For Justice and Equity (ACJE) is appalled and dismayed by the glaring non-performance of Local Government Chairmen and councilors in Abia State, despite publicly admitting to receiving their monthly federal allocation. This blatant disregard for the welfare of Abia citizens is unacceptable and demands immediate attention.”

Their threat is coming on the heels of the statement credited to the Abia State chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, that the local council areas are receiving their monthly allocation, exonerating the Governor, Alex Otti who was previously accused of hijacking local government funds.

“We recall that the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) in Abia State denied allegations that Governor Alex Otti hijacks their monthly allocation from the Federal Government, claiming that funds are received through the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) account. However, this does not excuse the lack of tangible development and service delivery in their respective local governments.”

“The ACJE questions the whereabouts of the funds allocated to these local governments. Have they been utilized for the intended purposes, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other essential services? Or have they been siphoned and embezzled by corrupt officials?”

“We demand transparency and accountability from these local government officials. The people of Abia State deserve to know how their funds are being utilized and what benefits they can expect from these allocations.”

“We therefore call on the local government officials to make public their 2024 and 2025 budgetary performance within 30 working days or face legal action.”

“The ACJE calls on the Abia State Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the management of local government funds and ensure that those responsible for mismanagement are held accountable”.

“Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to ensure that funds allocated to local governments are utilized for the benefit of the people and not embezzled by corrupt officials.”

“The ACJE will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of Abia citizens”.