In a rare show of legislative courage and commitment to grassroots accountability, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly has boldly stepped into the shadows of local governance to demand justice for often-forgotten foot soldiers of community development—the Management Committee members of various Development Centres.
The legislative arm, through its House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, recently carried out an oversight visit that peeled back layers of administrative neglect. The visit to Ezzama Development Centre, among others, uncovered a troubling pattern: Coordinators across several development councils had been hoarding crucial staff entitlements, including imprests, F&G allowances, and even Christmas bonuses—basic financial entitlements that enable committee members to perform their duties and provide for their families during the festive season.
In a system where low-level public servants are frequently denied their rightful dues without consequence, the Assembly’s decision to not only investigate but publicly name the defaulting coordinators marks a bold step toward restoring dignity to local administration. The list includes coordinators from Ezzama, Igbeagu, Ekumaenyi, Ohaozara West, Effium, Effium South, Ezza East, Ohaozara East, Oshiri, Ikwo South, and Inyaba development centres.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Mbam, did not mince words. “Coordinators must build and foster harmonious relationships with their Management Committee members, stakeholders, and staff for functional Development Centres,” he said, calling for immediate payment of all withheld entitlements. He further emphasized that any coordinator who fails to comply would face the full weight of the law.
This development signals a potential turning point for how rural governance is monitored in Ebonyi State. It’s not just about the money—though for many, that money puts food on the table—it’s about respect, transparency, and the political will to demand accountability, even at the smallest unit of government.
The House did not stop at punishment. Its recommendations went further to address the systemic issues: urging coordinators to live within their Development Centres, build befitting administrative houses, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. It is a vision of leadership that is present, accessible, and responsive to the people.
For many Management Committee members who have labored in silence, this intervention may be the first breath of justice they’ve felt in years. But more than just financial compensation, the Assembly’s action represents hope—that public service in Ebonyi can be fair, responsive, and truly about service.
If implemented effectively, this move could become a model of legislative oversight and grassroots reform for other states to follow.
And perhaps, just perhaps, it will remind those in positions of power that the people are watching—and so is the law.
