By Omon-Julius Onabu, Asaba
Tension is mounting in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State following a deepening rift within the legislative arm over the alleged irregular approval of the council’s 2026 budget and the reported suspension of some councillors.
Fourteen out of the 20 councillors in the local legislature have accused the Leader of the House, Hon. Raphael Uzor Babor, of bypassing due legislative process in the purported passage of the budget and intimidating members who demanded transparency and accountability.
The aggrieved councillors further alleged that the legislative leader resorted to threats of arbitrary suspension and intimidation, including the use of local security operatives, in response to their insistence on proper scrutiny of the budget proposal.
According to them, the controversy escalated when only about five councillors were reportedly present in the chamber alongside the legislative leader, yet an announcement was made on the council’s internal communication platform that the 2026 budget had been approved.
They maintained that such action contravenes established legislative procedures, particularly as several members had requested adequate time to review the 2025 budget performance report before considering the new fiscal estimates submitted by the executive arm.
The councillors explained that the dispute began after they demanded certified true copies of the 2025 Appropriation Bye-Laws and performance report to enable informed deliberation.
Although the documents were eventually provided on March 26, the majority’s request for time to study the report reportedly met resistance from the leadership.
Those who insisted on reviewing the documents before proceeding with deliberations include Joel Chukwuka Odu, Peter Kanayo Nwakwushue, Victor Ijeli Okwechime, Stephen Onyeisi Okafor, Nkabu Chinyere Blessing, Francisca Iwegbu, Chukwuwike Paul Okonkwo, Emeka Peter Chiaba, Anyasi Okpah, Ugo Chukwuwike, Uzoma Iweka, Oseloke Okeleke, Fabian Nwaojogwu, and Patrick Akachukwu Nwankonye.
Addressing journalists at the council secretariat, one of the affected councillors, Hon. Peter Kanayo Nwakwushue, emphasised that their position was driven by the need to uphold accountability and transparency in governance.
He noted that councillors have a statutory responsibility to scrutinise budget proposals and provide their constituents with clear accounts of government spending and project implementation.
“Our oversight responsibility requires that the appropriation bill undergoes proper legislative procedures, including first, second, and third readings before passage.
It is neither lawful nor appropriate for the legislative leader to unilaterally approve a budget or suspend elected members,” he stated.
On behalf of like-minded colleagues, Nwakwushue outlined key demands, including improved transparency between the executive and legislative arms, mandatory presentation of certified budget documents, and regular submission of quarterly and annual budget performance reports.
They also called for institutional support to enable the legislature effectively carry out its oversight functions, while insisting that the alleged suspension of some members was a direct consequence of their stance on due process and accountability.
Councillors present at the briefing reiterated that their disagreement is strictly with the legislative leadership and not the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye.
Efforts to obtain a response from the legislative leader, Hon. Raphael Uzor Babor, were unsuccessful, as he indicated he was engaged in a meeting and did not revert to subsequent inquiries.
The unfolding situation has heightened political tension within the council, raising concerns over governance processes and adherence to legislative norms at the grassroots level.
