ACNPN Hails Ukwuani Councilor’s Court Victory, Calls For Accountability In Local Governments

By.Precious Erugo

The Delta State Chairman of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom, has commended the councillor representing Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. Chukwuemeka Kenneth, over his legal victory at the High Court of Justice, Obiaruku, describing it as a landmark triumph for accountability and transparency at the grassroots.

Hon. Chukwuemeka secured the court victory against the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) and the Treasurer, following their failure to disclose the council’s income and expenditure to the legislative arm of the council, as required by law.

Comrade Abiagom noted that the judgement, which upheld the mandamus action instituted by the councillor, reaffirmed the constitutional role of the legislature in ensuring checks and balances within the local government system. He praised the judiciary for its courage and clarity in dispensing justice, stressing that the ruling has strengthened democratic governance at the third tier of government.

The ACNPN chairman urged councillors across other local government areas in the state to emulate the example set by Hon. Chukwuemeka by standing firm on their constitutional rights and responsibilities, particularly in demanding accountability from executive chairmen and key financial officers.

According to him, councillors owe a duty to their constituents to demand transparency in the management of public funds in order to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

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Comrade Abiagom further called on councillors to take a cue from the Delta State House of Assembly, noting that all projects executed by the state government must pass through the legislature for scrutiny and approval, a practice that reinforces accountability and good governance.

He stressed that with increased funds now available to local governments, councillors must rise to the occasion by providing effective legislative oversight and guiding their executive chairmen towards prudent and transparent management of public resources.

The ACNPN reiterated its commitment to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability through responsible community journalism across Delta State and Nigeria at large.