The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State Chapter, has denied claims that local government allocations are being hijacked, clarifying that funds are still being paid into the State Joint Local Government Account despite a Supreme Court judgment mandating direct remittance to local councils.
Speaking while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, the Abia State ALGON Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, said the Federal Government is yet to implement the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy.
Ekeke also reacted to recent public statements and political meetings allegedly convened by what he described as “architects of a failed past,” including some former governors and their associates, who have made pronouncements about the tenure and political future of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
ALGON Abia State stated that it respects the constitutional rights of all citizens to freedom of expression and political association. However, the association emphasized that leadership in a democratic system must be determined by performance and the freely expressed will of the electorate through credible elections, rather than by political gang-ups, declarations, or speculative rhetoric.
The association noted that Governor Otti’s performance is evident across the 17 local government areas of the state. According to ALGON, since assuming office, the Otti administration has shown strong commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, and effective service delivery, recording visible improvements in road construction and rehabilitation, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of salary backlogs, and prudent management of public funds.
ALGON further observed that Abia State is experiencing renewed pride among its citizens at home and in the diaspora, attributing this to restored confidence in the state’s leadership and public image. As custodians of grassroots governance, the association said its members remain in close contact with their communities and can attest to the growing public confidence in the current direction of governance and the tangible benefits being felt by the people.
The group cautioned that public discourse should be anchored on facts, not falsehoods, exaggerations, or revisionist narratives, stressing that attempts to undermine the visible progress in the state through political speculation are inappropriate. It added that the unease expressed by critics does not stem from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between the achievements of the present administration and the records of past governments.
ALGON Abia State called on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively by presenting ideas, policies, and alternative visions capable of advancing development, unity, and stability in the state, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance, deepen institutional development, and improve the quality of life of citizens across all local government areas. It also expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for what it described as his massive support and the strong collaborative relationship between the state government and local councils.
In conclusion, ALGON Abia State declared that Abia is firmly on a path of renewal and progress and announced its collective and unequivocal support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.
The association also passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the governor, citing his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery in Abia State.
