APC Backs Suit Seeking Disclosure of Abia LG Funds

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has thrown its weight behind a lawsuit filed by the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC) seeking to compel the Abia State Government to disclose the accounts and expenditure records of the state’s 17 local government councils.

According to a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC urged the state government to comply with court orders and make public how it has spent over ₦800 billion allegedly paid into local government accounts.

The party argued that transparency would demonstrate accountability, insisting that if the government had nothing to hide, it should release the financial records.

It alleged that secrecy surrounding local government finances points to corruption and mismanagement.

The APC said the CSOCLC suit aligns with the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for local governments, noting that the ruling was intended to ensure funds allocated to councils are used for grassroots development.

It further alleged that local government funds in Abia have been diverted instead of being used to improve rural roads, primary healthcare centres, schools and other community projects.

The opposition party therefore called on the Abia State Government to immediately publish the accounts of all 17 local government councils, insisting that Abians deserve full accountability over the management of public funds.