Tension is mounting in Ebonyi State as ward councillors of Onicha Local Government Area move to impeach the council chairman, Hon. Ogbofia Ikechukwu, over allegations of abuse of power, high-handedness, and neglect of governance responsibilities.
A councillor, who spoke under anonymity for security reasons, told journalists that the chairman’s leadership style had alienated councillors and key stakeholders, leading to widespread discontent across the local government.
According to him, the chairman’s alleged offences range from political intolerance and diversion of palliatives to favoritism, exclusion from decision-making, and non-execution of key projects. He said councillors have become “powerless and ignored,” with ward mobilization duties now handled by the chairman’s special assistants.
“The chairman does not return calls, even in emergencies. During the last Christmas rice distribution, he violated the governor’s directive, allocating less than half of the approved quantity to communities. The FON youth empowerment programme and other resources have been monopolized by his ward, Abaomege, while others are left out,” he alleged.
He added that the ₦100 million budgeted for the renovation of the legislative chamber remains unaccounted for, while councillors’ entitlements and stipends are unpaid for five months. “We have no legislative bus, no housing projects, and no development in our wards. We are constantly disrespected and sidelined,” he said.
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A political analyst, Mr. Ifeanyi Oguta, confirmed that twelve councillors held a meeting where they resolved to seek intervention from top political leaders in the state. “The councillors are frustrated and believe the chairman’s conduct undermines democracy at the grassroots,” he stated.
Sources disclosed that 11 out of 12 councillors have signed a formal petition addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru, urging him to intervene and investigate the leadership of Hon. Ogbofia Ikechukwu.
Reacting through the council’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Omekannaya Orogwu, the chairman dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. He maintained that the council had met all the needs of the councillors and claimed that the legislative complex was near completion.
According to Orogwu, “The accusations are the handiwork of desperate politicians eyeing the chairmanship seat ahead of the next council elections.”
As the crisis unfolds, political observers say the situation could test Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to maintaining stability within local governments across Ebonyi State.
