A former two-time councillor and Ex-Vice Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon Julius Efeni Akpovoka, has accused the current council chairman, Hon Jaro Egbo, of financial mismanagement and called for his immediate investigation and removal from office.
Speaking on the state of affairs in the council, Akpovoka alleged that over ₦70 billion received from the federal allocation committee in the past two and a half years has not been reflected in visible projects across the local government area.
He further claimed that total funds accrued to the council, including internally generated revenue, could be close to ₦100 billion.
According to him, “there is no tangible project to justify the huge amount received,” raising concerns over accountability and transparency in the council’s financial management.
Akpovoka also accused the chairman of diverting public funds for personal use, alleging that properties and estates have been acquired in different locations. He questioned the source of such wealth, citing the chairman’s official earnings as insufficient to support the alleged lifestyle.
The former council official called on relevant authorities, including anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the chairman’s finances, asset declarations, and activities before and after assuming office.
He urged the legislative arm of the council to initiate proceedings, including a vote of no confidence, and forward recommendations to appropriate state authorities for further action.
Akpovoka, an African Democratic Congress ADC leader in Ughelli North further warned that failure to act within two weeks could lead to mass mobilization of residents to demand accountability, insisting that public funds must be used for the benefit of the people.
He emphasized that elected officials, regardless of political affiliation, are accountable to the people and must uphold transparency in governance.
