A major political crisis is unfolding in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as eleven out of the twelve ward councillors have reportedly signed a resolution to impeach the council chairman, Hon. Ogbofia Ikechukwu.
The lawmakers, under the Onicha Legislative Council, accuse the chairman of abuse of power, financial mismanagement, political intolerance, and neglect of key development projects despite the availability of budgetary funds.
According to the councillors, the N100 million budgetary provision for the legislative complex has not been utilized, leaving the facility in poor condition. They further allege that the chairman’s leadership style has sidelined elected councillors and marginalized several wards in the distribution of government projects and resources.
In a petition addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru and top political stakeholders in Ebonyi State, the councillors lamented what they described as “a breakdown in communication and exclusion from governance.”
They claimed that:
“The chairman has transferred ward mobilization duties to his Special Assistants, rendering us powerless. He routinely ignores our calls, violates the governor’s directives, and concentrates government projects in his ward, Abaomege.”
They further alleged that only the chairman’s ward has benefited from development projects under a ₦12 billion local government budget, while other wards remain neglected.
The councillors also decried the non-payment of five months of legislative stipends, failure to provide a legislative bus, and abandonment of the councillors’ three-bedroom bungalow projects included in the 2025 budget.
The lawmakers urged the Ebonyi State Government to intervene and restore order, transparency, and inclusiveness in the leadership of Onicha Local Government.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
