The Abia State, chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has dismissed allegations by some opposition figures that Governor Alex Otti hijacks local government funds.
ALGON, an umbrella body of the Mayors of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia State in a communique issued at the Government House, Umuahia, at the end of their meeting, described such claims as unfounded and baseless.
Presenting the position while answering questions after presenting the communique, the State chairman of the Association and Mayor Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon Chinedu Ekeke made it clear that Local councils are properly funded by the Dr Alex Otti administration.
“ I am not aware of any funds being hijacked. The Federal Government is responsible for sharing allocations to states and local governments.
“Since we assumed office, funds do not come directly from the Federal Government to local governments. They are paid into the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) account. So, there is no hijack whatsoever,” he pointed out.
According to him, “There is strong collaboration between the local governments and the state government. As we speak, the state government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti has been funding local governments through the JAAC account.”
The Mayors, therefore, passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and declared their support for his second term bid.
ALGON, Abia State Chapter noted with delight that Governor Otti’s performance is visible across all the 17 local government areas and has demonstrated strong commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective service delivery.
“ALGON, Abia State, collectively and unequivocally commits its absolute support to the re-election of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, in 2027.
“We hereby pass a unanimous vote of confidence on His Excellency, in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery to our people,” ALGON stated.
The Association named some of the attainments to include: recovery, rehabilitation and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of salary arrears, and prudent management of public resources.
Addressing the current political development in the state, ALGON noted the recent political statements by some politicians he described as “architects of a failed past,” and cautioned against attempts to pre-empt the democratic process through speculative political rhetoric.
“ALGON, Abia State, considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to undermine the democratic process or the visible progress being recorded in the state.
“The unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and the abysmal record of past administrations.”
The body used the forum to call on all political actors, past and present, to engage in constructive criticisms in the interest of the state.
