Account for ₦100m Onuimo LGA Special Project Fund for rural roads gradings in Your Custody  — Engr. Ejiogu Charges Dr. Emeka Obi …as indigenes demand transparency, visible government presence in the locality under his leadership.

By ThankGod Emeh

Fresh controversy has emerged in Onuimo Local Government Area following public calls for accountability over a ₦100 million Special Project Fund reportedly allocated for rural gradings amid allegations of underrepresentation of the Renewed Hope mantra of Governor Hope Uzodimma and alleged personal aggrandizement.

The concerns were raised by former House of Assembly candidate, Engr. Enoch c. Ejiogu, who urged the Chairman of the council, Dr. Emeka Obi, to provide a detailed and transparent account of how the fund was utilized.

In a statement made available to journalists, Engr. Ejiogu alleged that there appear to be no visible development projects corresponding with the reported release of the fund, citing ongoing challenges across several communities, including dilapidated road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, lack of electricity supply in many areas, as well as lack of security, infrastructure and basic social amenities.

According to him, there is an increasing need to ensure that the Special Project Fund alongside other allocations is allegedly translated into tangible improvements in the communities.

Engr. Ejiogu also called for the publication of project details, including contractors, locations and timelines, to enable public monitoring and rebuild trust between the leadership and the people.

He further alleged that increased communication from the council leadership could help address growing public concern and reduce speculation in the face of democratic governance.

“It is unfortunate that no road is motorable in the area as a result of his insensitivity and negligence.

The issue, however, has generated growing reactions among community stakeholders, youth groups and civil society voices, many of whom are calling for greater transparency and government presence at the grassroots level.

Several residents who spoke with journalists in anonymity alleged that they had expected the fund to address long-standing infrastructural gaps but claim many communities are yet to witness significant changes.

A youth leader in the area also alleged that residents are seeking clarity rather than confrontation, including claims of intimidation and harassment of perceived opponents, noting that the people want information, transparency and visible development and nothing more.

The indigenes further alleged displeasure that the LGA boss, instead of living up to the expectations of his office to take care of the affairs of the people, is allegedly focusing more on political ambition toward the Federal House of Representatives in the forthcoming  elections, a move they say has further deepened neglect of urgent local needs and widened the gap between leadership and the governed.

Efforts to reach the council chairman for comments were unsuccessful.

The development has sparked wider discussions about grassroots governance and accountability, with civil society groups emphasizing the need for transparency in the management of public funds.

Observers say a formal statement from the council may help clarify the status of the Special Project Fund and address concerns allegedly raised by residents.

“we too know that Governor Hope Uzodimma Our infrastructural Governor is empowering LGAs across the state and the evidence is so glaring in Councils across Okigwe zone even as Okigwe council Chairperson as a woman is delivering giant strides, so what is Emeka Obi doing with our money?”

Dr Emeka Obi as a Local Government Chairman has not done even a single project/empowerment in Onuimo “in his own capacity”