Save Imo, a grassroots advocacy group, has raised alarm over the financial state of Imo State’s 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs), alleging gross mismanagement and lack of transparency.
According to the group, the council areas are broke and unable to function effectively due to the failure of the state government to comply with a Supreme Court directive on financial autonomy for local councils.
“There is no record showing that October 2024 allocations from the Federation Account were paid directly into the bank accounts of the 27 LGAs, as mandated by the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment,”
“This has left the councils incapacitated and unable to meet their statutory obligations.” said Ebubegau Ekenulo, spokesman of the group.
Save Imo further alleged that elected council chairpersons and ward councillors have been rendered powerless.
Ward councillors, according to the group, have yet to receive their statutory salaries and allowances, leaving many confused and unable to perform their legislative duties.
Supervisory councillors, who are critical to the full functionality of the councils, are yet to be appointed, compounding the administrative paralysis.
Ekenulo claimed that the council chairpersons have been coerced into silence.
“It appears they’ve been sworn to secrecy under duress, preventing them from speaking out about these issues. Many have gone underground, refusing to respond to calls or engage with their constituents,” he said.
The group criticized recent stakeholder meetings convened by council chairpersons, calling them a diversion orchestrated by the state government.
“These meetings are simply a ploy to confuse and blindfold the people who are beginning to ask questions,”
“The people deserve answers, not distractions.” said Ekenulo.
Save Imo warned council executives against taking directives from the state government or bypassing their legislative councils when managing funds.
“Local government chairpersons need only the approval of their legislative houses to execute projects. Acting on instructions from the governor or state government to spend LGA funds is unconstitutional and could attract sanctions from anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC,” Ekenulo stated.
The group urged all elected officials to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and prioritize the needs of their constituents.
“Imo citizens are watching. This is a time for leadership and integrity. Local government executives must step up and take control of their councils as the Constitution demands,” Ekenulo concluded.