Former ward councillors in Enugu state, under the aegis of National Forum of Ex-Councillors, Enugu State chapter, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by “dissident members” of the forum to blackmail the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led Enugu state government.
In a statement obtained by Oceanicnews, the forum, on Tuesday, said the members had hatched a plan to “embarrass” the state government over a claim that they are being owed some arrears of salaries and entitlements.
Signed by Hon. Chidiebere ThankGod Okoh and Hon. Barr. Ike M. Owoh, State Chairman and Secretary respectively, the forum alleged that the said members have been hired by some politicians to protest against the state government.
“These misinformed elements were hired and influenced by some politicians to stage a demonstration against the state government,” the forum said in the statement emailed to Igbere TV Tuesday night.
“It is pertinent to note that under the statutory provisions, it is the responsibility of the Local Government Council to pay the elected Councilors as well as other Local Government Appointees and therefore the Government of Enugu State does not owe the former councilors in Enugu State.”
The forum, therefore, put the general public on notice, saying, “no persons or splinter group has the mandate or authorization to issue any circular, or to organize any form of demonstration on behalf of the ex-councilors forum of Enugu State.”