LGA ALLOCATIONS: LP IN ABIA MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES by implementing 100% LGA Autonomy.

Abians Must Rise to the Challenge

I strongly believe the time has come for Abians to sit up to our core responsibility and live up to the expectations of the moment. Our mandate as citizens is not just in words; it is a duty that binds us to ask the right questions and demand accountability where it matters most.

At the heart of rural development is the issue of Local Government allocations. These funds, sent from the federal purse to all 17 LGAs of Abia State every single month without fail, are the lifeblood of grassroots infrastructure. They are meant for the building of rural roads, health centers, schools, water projects, markets, and other amenities that directly touch the lives of our people.

It makes no sense for anyone to remain silent while the question of LGA allocations continues to linger without clarity. If this money is truly coming every month, and indeed, records confirm it does, then the people of Abia have the right to ask: where is it going? Who is managing these funds? And why is there little to show for them across our LGAs?

If the speculation in some quarters is true, that the Governor is diverting Local Government allocations to fund state road projects, then such an approach makes no sense. Using LGA funds to construct roads in Aba and Umuahia may look attractive on the surface, but in reality, it deprives the individual Local Governments of their rightful development.

Aba and Umuahia already benefit from the state’s statutory allocation, and beyond that, the LGAs within Aba and Umuahia also receive their own federal allocations. Therefore, the development of these two urban centers should never come at the expense of other LGAs across Abia State.

True and inclusive progress must touch all 17 LGAs, not just Aba and Umuahia , Rural communities deserve access roads, health centers, schools, water projects, and functional markets. That is what the LGA allocations are meant for. Anything short of this is not just unfair, it undermines the *principle of balanced development.

Even if the Governors’ Forum continues to resist the release of full LGA allocations, one would naturally expect Abia State, being the only Labour Party, controlled state in the federation, to lead by example.

If indeed Labour Party seeks to convince Nigerians to vote “from top to bottom” in 2027, then Abia must demonstrate that it is different from the rest by implementing 100% Local Government autonomy. That singular act would not only strengthen grassroots governance but also serve as a powerful testimony that LP stands for transparency, accountability, and people-driven development.

If APC, PDP, APGA and other political party governors are guilty of hijacking LGA allocations, must Abia follow the same path? Especially when Governor Otti campaigned on the clear promise of granting full Local Government autonomy? Even when the Labour Party positioned itself as the “messiah” that Nigerians have been waiting for?

These are critical questions begging for answers. Where are the LGA Chairmen in all of this? Why the deafening silence over their inability to access allocations meant for grassroots development? Are they in silent complicity with the Governor, or have they simply chosen self-preservation over service to the people?

The bitter truth is this: these are the direct consequences of imposing leaders on the people. When genuine elections are denied and credible individuals are sidelined, those imposed lack both the courage and legitimacy to speak up when it matters most.

If true democracy had prevailed at the grassroots, by now elected Chairmen, backed by the mandate of the people, would have raised their voices in defense of their LGAs and demanded what rightfully belongs to them. Instead, what we see is silence, and silence in the face of injustice is nothing but betrayal.

The people of Abia are watching, and history will judge us by how we respond to this moment.

~ Mazi Onyeani Kalu

The GrandMaster, Political Scientist, Pro-Life Advocate & Custodian of Ancient Wisdom

22.09.2025

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