The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Obi Aguocha, has said that elected local government chairmen in the state are receiving their funds directly from the Federal Government.
Aguocha, who made this statement on FLO FM Umuahia’s political programme on Thursday, maintained that Governor Alex Otti’s administration has complied with the local government autonomy principle by ensuring that the councils are financially empowered to run their affairs without interference.
The Labour Party House of Representatives member challenged any of the 17 local government chairmen who claim not to be receiving their council’s funds adequately to speak up.
“If there is any local government chairman who thinks or believes otherwise, then they should come out and tell us,” Aguocha said.
He added that any speculation about true autonomy in local government funding cannot hold water unless the local government bosses themselves come forward to confirm it.
