The Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah, has urged state governors to grant Local Government Areas (LGAs) financial autonomy to accelerate grassroots development.
Speaking during a series of town hall meetings with his constituents, Hon. Ogah decried the undue control of LGA funds by state governors, stating that this practice has hindered the development of rural communities.
He emphasized that many demands made on lawmakers should ideally be the responsibility of LGAs, but the lack of financial independence has prevented them from fulfilling their mandates.
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“There is no LGA in Nigeria today that does not receive at least N250 million monthly from the federal government. That’s why the governors are holding tight to LGA allocations,” he stated.
Hon. Ogah assured his constituents that the National Assembly, alongside President Bola Tinubu, is working towards granting financial autonomy to LGAs to ensure equitable development.
“If every LGA gets its full allocation, the level of development at the grassroots will be remarkable. This will also ease the burden on lawmakers who often have to take up responsibilities that should be handled by local governments,” he added.
Presenting his scorecard, Hon. Ogah revealed that he successfully influenced the inclusion of projects worth over N4 billion for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the 2024 budget. However, he lamented that delays in fund disbursement have stalled the execution of some of these projects.
He pledged to intensify lobbying efforts to ensure the timely release of funds and implementation of developmental initiatives.
Hon. Ogah disclosed that he is in regular communication with the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, regarding the Okigwe–Uturu–Afikpo road project, which has been captured in the 2025 budget.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing the health sector and announced that Achara Uturu Hospital has been secured as an annex of the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia.
Additionally, he assured constituents that the perimeter fencing of the Divisional Police Office in Mbalano, Isuikwuato, would soon commence.
Hon. Ogah reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment, stating that his initiatives in this regard preceded his political career. He stressed that meaningful empowerment programs remain a key strategy in reducing crime rates and improving livelihoods.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from his constituents, Hon. Ogah reassured them of his dedication to delivering impactful representation. He promised to uphold their trust and continue working towards the development of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.