₦1 Billion Gone, Nothing to Show: Udung Uko Councilors Revolt Against Chairman Godwin Okponung, Sacks Leader
A storm of discontent is sweeping through Udung Uko Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, as the 8th Legislative Council has passed a vote of no confidence on its leader, Hon. Victor Okon Inue-Onwi, accusing him of colluding with Executive Chairman Hon. Godwin Okponung to sideline councilors and mismanage local governance.
But the real target of public anger is Chairman Okponung, whose six-month tenure is increasingly being described as the most ineffective and disconnected in the council’s recent history despite his administration receiving over ₦170 million monthly in federal allocation.
Councilors Cry Out: “We Have Been Abandoned”
During a heated plenary session on Monday, councilor Hon. Emmanuel Duncan of Ward 3 moved a motion citing gross incompetence and betrayal by the legislative leader. He accused Inue-Onwi of failing to defend councilors’ rights and welfare, while collaborating with the executive chairman to suppress legislative input.
Seconded by Hon. Blessing Eyite of Ward 1, the motion quickly gained traction among lawmakers who lamented what they described as systemic neglect and hostile treatment by Chairman Okponung’s administration.
“We have been left in the cold while the chairman runs a one-man show. We get nothing, not even basic entitlements — all while millions roll into the council account every month,” said one visibly frustrated councilor who requested anonymity.
₦1 Billion in 6 Months, Yet No Projects
Analysis of federal allocation data shows that Udung Uko has received over ₦1 billion in six months — an average of #170 million per month — since Okponung assumed office. Yet, not a single project has been inaugurated under his watch, sparking outrage among constituents and stakeholders.
This stands in stark contrast to other LGAs such as Uyo and Itu, where chairmen have commissioned roads, renovated schools, and launched empowerment schemes within a similar timeframe — often with less funding.
“We expected that with such monthly revenue, Udung Uko would be thriving by now,” a senior political analyst in Uyo told SITIPPE. “Instead, the council is a ghost town of missed opportunities. It’s mismanagement, plain and simple.”
A Chairman Under Fire
Sources within the council allege that Chairman Okponung has deliberately refused to engage with councilors or hold joint sessions with the legislative arm, thereby crippling checks and balances.
“He acts like the entire council belongs to him. The legislators are only remembered when they’re needed for signatures, for budget approvals”, one councillor said.
There are also allegations of opaque spending practices and failure to provide documentation for council expenditures, raising fears of massive misappropriation of public funds.
Despite these accusations, Okponung has remained silent, refusing to address the council’s complaints or speak to the press.
Worst Leadership in Recent History?
For many in Udung Uko, this administration may be remembered not just for its absence of development but also for open disdain toward democratic processes and institutional disregard.
The Way Forward
The vote of no confidence against the legislative leader may be a signal of resistance within the system, but residents are demanding more.
People that hasn’t seen good amounts of money before when they find the opportunity they’ll act accordingly. Forgetting that one Good turn deserves another.
People that hasn’t seen good amounts of money before when they find the opportunity they’ll act accordingly. Forgetting that one Good turn deserves another..