What Manner Of Council Chairman And Councillors Do We Have In Ohaji Egbema?

By Kenneth Uwadi
The Supreme Court judgment on LGA autonomy was widely celebrated as a landmark decision that would grant financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. In principle, it empowers local councils to control their budgets independently, allowing them to fund critical infrastructure, primary healthcare, education, and grassroots development without interference from state governors.

However, in reality, this autonomy appears to exist only on paper. In Imo State, the financial structure of local governments remains firmly tied to the controversial Joint Account System. Allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) are still effectively controlled at the state level. In October 2024, Governor Hope Uzodinma inaugurated the so-called “O Yes” chairmen and councillors, and since then, the system has continued in a way that raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

Rather than experiencing true financial independence, local councils in Imo State seem reduced to administrative extensions of the state government. The essence of local government autonomy has been weakened, leaving councils unable or unwilling to function as independent institutions serving the grassroots. This lack of accountability has created an environment where mismanagement thrives and public welfare suffers.

This brings me to a pressing question: what manner of local government chairman and councillors do we have in Ohaji Egbema? At times, it feels as though we do not have one at all. Nothing appears to be working in the LGA. A Local Government Chairman should be judged by the overall condition of the council area, the welfare of its workers, and the tangible projects executed for the benefit of the ordinary citizens.

It has been nearly two years since Hon. Marcel Amadioha assumed office as Chairman of Ohaji-Egbema LGA, after previously serving in a caretaker capacity. Therefore, it is fair to ask: What is the current state of the council? Are council workers better off today than they were before?

What meaningful projects have been completed under his leadership?From what is visible to the people, the condition of the council and the standard of living of workers remain deeply troubling.

Despite the enormous human and natural resources within Ohaji Egbema, poverty and hardship persist. There has been little evidence of infrastructural development, job creation, or improvement in public services. Instead, residents continue to witness declining public education, weak healthcare services, and a council system that appears disconnected from the needs of the people.

Where is the money allocated for constitutional projects in Ohaji Egbema? Who siphoned them? Why are there no visible constituency projects from Chairman to Councillors? Why have there been no meaningful town hall or constituency meetings to engage the people? Why is the Chairman and his councillors seeing Ohaji Egbema as their conquered territory?

Public office is not about attending ceremonies, burials, and social gatherings for photographs. Leadership demands measurable impact. It requires attracting opportunities, jobs, and development to the people one represents. Unfortunately, many residents feel that the presence of the chairman and councillors in Ohaji Egbema has not translated into meaningful progress

Today, public schools in Ohaji Egbema are In a sorry state, access roads to many Egbema communities are in deplorable condition.The Avu–Obosima road leading to Egbema is in serious disrepair. The Adapalm–Etekwuru axis is in terrible condition.The Ejemekwuru–Agwa route has become nearly impassable.

These roads have deteriorated to the point where some sections can hardly be described as roads at all. Yet these are vital arteries for economic activity, trade, education, and healthcare access. What is the chairman and his councillors doing? They are observing table manners.

Ohaji Egbema deserves better.Local governance should not be about loyalty to higher political authorities; it should be about loyalty to the people. The purpose of public office is service, not self-preservation. Until transparency, accountability, and genuine commitment to grassroots development become the priority, the people of Ohaji Egbema will continue to ask: What manner of leadership do we truly have?

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