Recent social media reports featuring the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chima Njoku, have sparked significant debate across Rivers State. In a viral video, the Chairman claimed to have paid a monthly electricity bill of ₦145 million to provide power to communities within his constituency.
The Electricity "Miracle"
Earlier this year, the Etche LGA administration received praise for restoring electricity to over 40 communities that had suffered from a decade-long blackout. Chairman Njoku successfully bypassed the local power distribution network by brokering a cross-boundary supply arrangement with Aba Power (based in Abia State) with the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
While the initiative was widely celebrated as a major victory for the LGA, the Chairman's recent claim regarding the staggering monthly cost has drawn both attention and skepticism regarding the financial sustainability of the project.
Growing Political Tensions
The video has also fueled the ongoing political rivalry in Rivers State. Chima Njoku is widely recognized as a loyalist of the FCT Minister and a key figure in the APC-led local government leadership. His comments have been interpreted by observers as a direct jab at the previous administration’s performance, further deepening the rift between competing political factions in the state.
Accusations of Extortion
Beyond the controversy over electricity spending, the Etche LGA leadership is facing mounting legal and public pressure on another front. A coalition of transport unions in Rivers State has formally accused the Chairman of recruiting an "illegal task force" to collect unauthorized fees from commercial drivers at the Imo River.
The Allegation: Transport workers claim that individuals acting on behalf of the council are extorting thousands of naira from drivers, labeling it "double taxation" since they already pay legitimate state levies.
The Defense: The head of the Etche task force has denied these claims, asserting that all levies collected are lawful and authorized within the jurisdiction of Etche land.
The intersection of these high-cost infrastructure claims and allegations of illegal revenue collection has placed the Etche LGA administration under intense public scrutiny as citizens demand greater transparency in how local government funds are managed.
Stay tuned to PORTHARCOURTBLOG as we continue to investigate these developments and bring you further updates on local government affairs in Rivers State.
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