Chief Uche Aguoru, a respected community leader and public affairs analyst from Ohuhu Umuahia North in Abia State, has strongly criticized Governor Alex Otti for allegedly failing to fulfill his campaign promise of granting true autonomy to local government councils in the state.
Aguoru, in a statement titled “Fraud and Maladministration: How Alex Otti Government is Undermining Local Government Administration in Abia State,” accused the governor of reducing local government chairmen to mere figureheads, with no meaningful projects initiated or completed under their watch since Otti assumed office two years ago.
Key Points from Aguoru’s Critique:
- Unmet Promises: Aguoru recalled that Governor Otti campaigned on a platform of transparency, accountability, and local government autonomy, but claims these promises have not materialized.
- Lack of Development: Despite Abia State receiving about ₦8 billion monthly (₦192 billion in two years) through the Joint Accounts Allocations Committee (JAAC), Aguoru lamented the absence of visible development in roads, schools, water supply, and other basic amenities.
- Comparison with Past Administrations: He highlighted achievements of previous local government administrations under past governors, citing examples of completed infrastructure, electrification, water projects, and educational initiatives across various LGAs.
- Call for Accountability: Aguoru urged Governor Otti to stop what he described as “deliberate propaganda” and to allow Abia’s 17 local governments to function independently, as constitutionally mandated.
- Leadership and Integrity: He emphasized that leadership requires integrity and results, not image management, and insisted that the governor must be held accountable by the people for failing to deliver on his promises.
Aguoru concluded by reminding Governor Otti that local governments are not mere appendages of the governor’s office but are constitutionally recognized institutions that must be empowered to drive grassroots development.