A prominent figure in Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a serious accusation against Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. Prince Paul Ikonne, an APC chieftain, claims the governor is actively working to undermine the financial independence of local government councils. This alleged action is said to be in direct defiance of both a landmark Supreme Court ruling and a recent directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Allegations of Legislative Manipulation
Prince Paul Ikonne made these claims during an appearance on Television Continental's Politics Tonight program. He asserted that the Abia State government is seeking to alter existing laws or introduce new legislation. The purported aim of these legal changes is to allow the state government to maintain control over funds allocated to the 17 local government areas in Abia.
Ikonne framed this as part of a broader resistance by some state governors to comply with constitutional provisions meant to empower the third tier of government. He emphasized that the issue has become a critical test of governance following President Tinubu's strong remarks at a recent APC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
Tinubu's "Knife and Yam" Warning and State Comparisons
Ikonne referenced the president's stern warning to governors during the NEC meeting, where Tinubu declared, "I have the knife and I have the yam." The APC chieftain interpreted this statement as a sign of serious political will, not mere political theatre. He argued that party leaders have a duty to address internal violations of the law.
To highlight Abia's alleged non-compliance, Ikonne pointed to other states he claims are already respecting council autonomy. "In Lagos state, you see local government building health centers, building schools," he stated, adding that similar independent project execution is happening in Enugu State. He contrasted this with the situation in Abia, where he claims the 17 local governments collectively receive between N7 billion and N8 billion monthly but have little visible development to show for it.
Specific Claims and a Call for Accountability
Ikonne provided a specific example, alleging that his own local government receives an average of N400 to N500 million every month from federal allocations, but the chairman only gets about N8 million from the state government. He challenged the Abia administration, led by the Labour Party, to publicly account for how the substantial local government funds have been utilized.
Expressing disappointment, Ikonne noted that a government which campaigned on reform has not used the Supreme Court autonomy ruling to demonstrate a new approach. He also dismissed suggestions that the APC was using federal power to target opposition governors, hinting instead at shifting political alliances. "There are rumours that the man in Abia, Alex Otti wants to join APC," Ikonne said, suggesting such moves are driven by electoral realities.
The chieftain expressed confidence that governors yet to comply would eventually fall in line, insisting none would openly defy President Tinubu following the clear warning issued at the NEC meeting. The allegations add to previous criticisms from Ikonne, who has also accused Abia state operatives of imposing harsh levies on traders in markets across Aba.
