Civil society group ISRCA warns Delta LG chairmen to perform and be accountable following N7bn allocation from 2026 state budget
A civil society organisation in Delta State, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns and Advancements (ISRCA), has warned Local Government Council chairmen across the state that they have no excuse for underperformance following the reported release of N7 billion allocation from the 2026 Delta State budget.
Also read:Â Senator Dafinone Forecasts APC Landslide in Delta 2027
The group said council chairmen must prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education and other grassroots development projects or risk being held accountable for any lapses.
ISRCA National Coordinator, Derrick Agberen, made the assertion in a statement issued in Warri, reacting to comments credited to Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Aniagwu Charles, that the funds were targeted at local-level projects.
According to ISRCA, reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria granting financial autonomy to local governments mean that state governments are no longer solely responsible for disbursing funds to councils.
The group noted that direct allocations to council accounts eliminate excuses for poor performance.
The organisation stressed that council chairmen across the 25 local government areas in Delta State must publish details of allocations received and how such funds are utilised.
It described transparency as a right of the people and a key step toward curbing misappropriation.
ISRCA maintained that more than one year in office is sufficient for any chairman to demonstrate commitment to development, especially given federal allocations, state government support and internally generated revenue.
The group also urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to establish a project monitoring committee for the 25 local government areas to ensure proper utilisation of funds at the grassroots level.
Also read:Â Anioma people are Igbos, says Obi Anyasi III in Delta
It added that local governments are responsible for providing critical services such as road construction, healthcare facilities, economic empowerment programmes, street lighting and surveillance systems, all of which are vital to crime prevention and improved safety in rural communities.
