From INIOBONG SUNDAY, Uyo
Aggrieved councillors representing different wards in Ikono local government area of Akwa Ibom State, have levelled financial frauds allegations against the sitting Chairman, Hon. Otobong Essien, accusing her of diversion and misappropriation of direct allocations accruable to the council following the abrogation of the state/LG joint account with the state government by the Supreme Court.
In a petition addressed to the leadership of the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong ,Abak, the aggrieved Ikono LG Legislative Council members, also accused the Chairman of abuse of office and gross misconduct in discharging her official duties.
The petition, out Correspondent gathered, was presented on the floor of the Assembly by Hon. Aniefiok Attah, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions during Tuesday’s plenary.
It was received through a motion by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, representing Oron/Udung Uko state Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Selina Ukpatu, of Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo state constituency.
The petition, signed by Hon. Saviour Ebong, Leader of the 8th Ikono Legislative Council, Deputy Leader Hon. Idorenyin Akpan, and ten other councillors, accused the Council Chairman of “unlawfully withdrawing public funds from the local government council’s account without the necessary authorisation and approval from the Legislative Council”.
The councillors described her actions as dishonorable, illegal, and a blatant abuse of power”.
The council lawmakers cited relevant sections of the LGA law, noting however, that that “the Chairman misappropriated council funds in violation of Section 66(1) of the Local Government Administration Law of the state; failed to attend legislative sessions, and employed security personnel to disrupt the official activities of the legislators”.
“The overall conduct of the Chairman reflects her unwillingness and unpreparedness to govern as the Executive Chairman of Ikono LGA, in accordance with the law”, they maintained, emphasising that “her careless attitude and misconduct must be addressed immediately”.
In his ruling, Speaker Otong, referred the petition to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and directed the Committee to “engage with the Council Chairman, Head of Service, Leader of the Legislative Arm, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the issue”.
He, thereafter, directed the committee to report back to the House within three weeks.
