A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has urged residents of the state to hold the administration of Governor Alex Otti accountable for the management and effective use of funds allocated to local government councils.
Ikonne made the appeal in his New Year message on Thursday, calling on Abians to be vigilant and actively question those in authority, particularly on issues affecting grassroots governance.
The former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) also challenged Governor Otti to respect and uphold local government autonomy in 2026, stressing that councils should be allowed to function independently as provided by law.
According to him, strengthening democracy at the grassroots would enable citizens to feel the real impact of governance in their everyday lives.
“As the new year begins, I stand with all Abians in hope and resolve. Abia is endowed with hardworking people, a rich heritage, and enormous potential,” Ikonne said. “In 2026, I urge every Abian to be bold enough to ask critical questions of those entrusted with power.”
His remarks come amid ongoing debates and controversies surrounding local government autonomy, despite the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the independence of local councils.
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