Ebonyi: Onicha LG Chairman Accused of Excessive Handedness and Abuse of Power

In a deepening political rift within Onicha Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, twelve ward councillors have publicly accused their chairman, Ogbofia Ikechukwu, of systemic abuse of authority, resource mismanagement, and exclusionary governance. The tension, which has escalated into formal complaints to the state governor, highlights broader governance challenges in Nigeria’s local government system. This article dissects the allegations, explores the implications, and offers insights into resolving such conflicts.

Introduction: A Local Government at a Crossroads

The heart of Nigeria’s 774 local governments lies in Onicha, a community grappling with leadership disputes that threaten civic progress. At the center of the conflict is Ogbofia Ikechukwu, the Onicha LGA chairman, whose critics allege he has weaponized his position to consolidate power. The ward councillors, marginalized by decisions ranging from unpaid stipends to stalled infrastructure projects, claim they are victims of a regime prioritizing political loyalty over public service. This article unpacks the grievances, the chairman’s defense, and the systemic issues at play.

Analysis: Decoding the Accusations

The Council Chairman’s Alleged Misconduct

The councillors’ complaints paint a picture of governance dereliction. Central grievances include:

• Resource Mismanagement: Diversion of palliative supplies and underdelivery of government-funded projects despite a ₦12 billion budget.
• Political Retaliation: Transfer of ward mobilization duties to aides, sidelining elected representatives.
• Financial Irregularities: Omission of ₦100 million allocated for legislative chamber renovation, with no records of expenditure.
• Punitive Allocation of Resources: Concentration of Governor’s Youth Fund (FON) and registration buses solely in Abaomege ward.

The Chairman’s Counter-Narrative

Ogbofia dismisses the allegations as politically motivated, attributing the discord to councillors jostling for the LGA seat ahead of elections. His camp claims full compliance with governance mandates and technological strides in infrastructure, including the alleged near-completion of the legislative chamber. However, discrepancies between official claims and on-ground realities raise questions about accountability.

Summary: A Stalemate Between Power and Accountability

The dispute remains unresolved, with councillors filing petitions against the chairman while he denies wrongdoing. The conflict underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian local governance: power struggles often overshadow developmental priorities. Without intervention, Onicha’s stagnation risks exacerbating public distrust in grassroots leadership.

Key Points: Unraveling the Conflict

Accusations Against Ogbofia Ikechukwu

– **Abuse of Authority:** Allocation of critical resources (palliatives, buses) to his ward while denying others.
– **Neglect of Infrastructure:** ₦12 billion budget unspent on projects; legislative chamber funds missing.
– **Financial Exploitation:** 5 months of unpaid legislative voting (LV) stipends for councillors.
– **Exclusionary Policies:** Councillors barred from task committees; tasks assigned to special aides instead.

Defense by Ogbofia and Allies

– **Denial of Misconduct:** Claims of fulfilling all obligations, including legislative chamber renovations.
– **Political Motives:** Asserts the allegations stem from rival factions seeking the LGA seat.
– **Governorship Support:** Asserts his actions align with state directives, citing Governor Nwifuru’s authority.

Practical Advice for Resolving Local Government Disputes

For communities facing similar grievances, proactive measures can mitigate conflict:

Document Everything:

Maintain records of unpaid entitlements, withheld resources, and denied project requests to strengthen legal or judicial appeals.

Draft formal petitions to state governors or anti-corruption agencies under Nigeria’s Local Government Administration Law.

Leverage platforms like Daily Post Nigeria to highlight systemic issues, ensuring transparency and public oversight.

Points of Caution: Risks in Advocacy

– **Legal Repercussions:** False accusations may invite counterclaims under Section 87 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which penalizes defamatory statements.
– **Political Backlash:** Councillors risk retaliation, including removal from office without proven misconduct.
– **Tribal or Ethnic Biases:** Perceptions of favoritism among neighbors could hinder collective action.

Comparison: Local Government Conflicts Across Nigeria

Similar power struggles have plagued other LGAs:
– **Kano State (2023):** Councillors criticized a mayor over unpaid salaries, leading to a state-led inquiry.
– **Kaduna (2022):** A dispute over resource allocation sparked a walkout, later adjudicated by the House of Representatives.
These cases underscore the need for standardized oversight mechanisms in local governance.

Legal Implications in Nigerian Local Governance

Under the Local Government (Establishment and Operations) Act, LGAs are autonomous entities with financial and administrative independence. Key implications include:
– **Accountability:** Proceeds of crimes in LGA funds fall under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) purview.
– **Electoral Law:** Abuse of power may violate constitutional rights, warranting recourse to the National Assembly.
– **Intervention:** Governors may deploy state executive councils to mediate disputes, though politicization often hampers neutrality.

Conclusion: Toward Transparent and Inclusive Governance

The Onicha LGA impasse reflects systemic flaws in Nigeria’s decentralized governance model. Resolving such conflicts demands enforceable accountability frameworks, independent oversight bodies, and public education on civic rights. As the 2025 elections approach, stakeholders must prioritize dialogue over polarization to safeguard Onicha’s development.

FAQ: Addressing Common Queries

What legal recourse do councillors have against a corrupt chairman?

Councillors can file complaints with the State Executive Council, anti-corruption agencies, or initiate impeachment proceedings under local ordinances. Court interventions, as seen in Kaduna, may also compel resolutions.

Can a governor override local government leadership disputes?

Governors can direct mediation or deploy state executive committee members to oversee operations temporarily, though this risks Executive-Local government friction.

How can citizens monitor local government funds?

Access publicly audited budgets via LGAs’ official websites or request accountability reports from state House of Assembly Committees on Local Government Affairs.

Sources: Credible References

– Dailypost Nigeria: Original article published October 10, 2025.
– Nigeria’s Local Government Administration Law.
– Andiama v. State (1955) 1 WACA 446 (NSCDC).
– National Institute for Legislative and Public Policy (NIPPP).

Conclusion

The Onicha LGA crisis exemplifies the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s local governance. By addressing grievances through legal, media, and community channels, stakeholders can restore faith in grassroots leadership and ensure equitable development.