Victor Ngwakwe, leader of the 7th Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council, has decried rising anger, hunger, and frustration among residents across Abia State’s local government areas, attributing the crisis to the state government’s alleged tight control over local government funds.
Speaking to reporters in Aba on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Ngwakwe, who represents Osokwa Ward, said councillors in Osisioma Ngwa face intense pressure from constituents demanding basic services, despite receiving no direct funding. “Our people just want the basic things government is supposed to provide, but they only have access to their councillors, who have no funds to work with,” he stated.
Ngwakwe expressed alarm over dwindling public confidence, particularly among elderly voters, who no longer trust councillors to fulfill campaign promises due to financial constraints. He accused the Abia State Government of violating the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Local Government Act by centralizing and spending local government allocations from Umuahia, rather than allowing councils to manage their own resources.
“Everything is done at Government House in Umuahia, which is against what’s clearly stated in the Constitution,” Ngwakwe said, claiming that Abia State uniquely disregards legal provisions granting financial autonomy to local councils. He revealed that councillors often rely on personal funds or private support to execute even minor projects, noting, “Whatever you see any councillor doing now is either funded personally or supported by a friend or political boss.”
Ngwakwe urged Abia residents to recognize that councillors are willing to serve but are hamstrung by lack of access to statutory allocations. “The funds allocated to Osisioma Ngwa are enough to show we care for our people, but Abia State controls the local government money,” he emphasized.
