A group, Concerned Members of Awgu Local Government Area (CMALGA), has petitioned the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, calling for an investigation into the financial activities of the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, over allegations of mismanagement of council funds.
In the petition dated May 18, 2026, signed by Isaac Chukwuemeka and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the petitioners urged the Governor to direct the Enugu State House of Assembly to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial operations of the council from September 2024, when the current administration assumed office.
The petition, which was also copied to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, alleged that substantial allocations had accrued to the local government within the period under review.
According to the petitioners, they estimate that not less than N10 billion may have been received by the council since the inception of the current administration, adding that they were concerned that visible development projects within the local government area do not reflect the level of funds they believe were received.
They also alleged that funds meant for development projects were being diverted to private use by persons entrusted with public resources, and further claimed that some contracts were awarded without what they described as a competitive bidding process, in violation of procurement regulations.
The group drew the attention of the Governor to what they described as the acquisition of property by the council chairman at the WTC Estate, Enugu, including a street reportedly named after him, as well as a residential building and additional plots of land allegedly under development.
They further stated in the petition: “As of the time of writing this petition, he is building a large mansion in his hometown, Agbogugu, in Awgu LGA. This is to mention but a few.”
The petitioners also said the chairman had not accounted for his stewardship, despite previous calls for transparency, including a statement issued in December last year expressing concern over alleged poor infrastructure and development in the area.
“We wish to state without fear of contradiction that the value of these assets is, in our view, inconsistent with the legitimate earnings of a public officer. Photographs of the assets are attached to this petition as part of our concerns.
“Your Excellency, we took it upon ourselves to write you because we can no longer fold our arms while funds meant for education, health and other development projects in Awgu are allegedly being diverted, leaving our communities underdeveloped.”
The petitioners requested that the chairman and other relevant council officials be invited by the House of Assembly for questioning, and that any property found to have been acquired through improper means be subjected to legal processes, including possible forfeiture if wrongdoing is established.
They also urged the Governor not to assign the chairman any further public responsibility if the allegations are confirmed after investigation.
The group expressed concern over what they described as a lack of basic infrastructure in the area despite what they believe to be substantial monthly allocations to the local government.
They said they remain hopeful that the petition would receive prompt attention, adding that they would escalate the matter to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if no action is taken.
