Obi Aguocha, the representative for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has stated that elected local government chairmen in Abia State receive their funds directly from the Federal Government.
Speaking on FLO FM Umuahia’s political program, Aguocha said Governor Alex Otti’s administration has adhered to the principle of local government autonomy by ensuring councils have financial independence without state interference.
The Labour Party lawmaker called on any of the 17 local government chairmen who believe they are not receiving their allocations as expected to come forward and speak publicly.
“If any local government chairman thinks differently, they should come forward and say so,” he said.
He added that any claims disputing true autonomy in local government funding would remain baseless unless local government leaders themselves confirm otherwise.