OBIARUKU/Nigeria: Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Barr. Solomon Ajede, has complied with the judgment of the Delta State High Court directing the publication of the council’s monthly revenue and expenditure records from July 2024 to date, describing the action as part of the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability.
The development was reported by Ukwuani Trumpet following the presentation of the financial documents in Obiaruku on Wednesday, coming days after Ndokwa Reporters had first reported the judgment delivered on May 13, 2026, by Hon. Justice S. I. Okeleke in Suit No: HOB/M/1/2026, which also restrained implementation of the 2026 budget pending compliance with statutory disclosure obligations.
The court order arose from a suit instituted by Councillor Chukwuemeke Victor Kenneth, representing Ward 19, Ezhionum, against the council leadership over alleged non-publication of financial records.
Speaking after presenting the documents, Ajede said the council had obeyed the judgment because it remained committed to due process and the rule of law.
“This government is the most criticised government, even though we are trying our best to be ahead of other local governments in Nigeria.
“This government is the most distracted government, but we will continue to look at the welfare of the Ukwuani people who voted us to lead them,” Ajede stated.
The council chairman urged residents to continue scrutinising government activities but advised that criticisms should be factual and objective.
“The people of Ukwuani should continue to criticise objectively. They should criticise government, but they should do so with facts and without the intention of bringing down the local government.
“The truth is that the local government is not hiding anything. The local government belongs to all of us,” he said.
Ajede maintained that the presentation was not entirely new, explaining that the administration had repeatedly rendered accounts before the legislative arm and also organised an extraordinary town hall meeting to provide updates on government finances and projects.
“We held an extraordinary town hall meeting where we gave details of what we are doing today. We did it without a court order,” he said.
The chairman noted that the council had consistently presented income and expenditure reports even before the legal action.
According to him, the legislative arm comprises 20 councillors representing the 20 wards in Ukwuani, adding that 19 members had acknowledged the administration’s performance.
“For the record, there are 20 councillors in the legislative arm and they represent the 20 wards in Ukwuani. Nineteen of them have seen what we have done and said this government is trying,” Ajede stated.
While expressing reservations over the litigation, the council boss said the administration decided to comply to avoid unnecessary conflict and uphold democratic values.
“Because we are legal practitioners and a government that believes in the rule of law, we said there is a need to re-present the process.
“Otherwise, what we are doing today are things we have repeatedly done in the past,” he added.
Ajede also advised stakeholders to utilise the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act before approaching the courts.
“If there are genuine things you want us to do, come under the Freedom of Information Act and request it and we will provide it.
“If that is not done, you are at liberty to go to court, but you do not just wake up and proceed to court,” he stated.
The chairman assured residents that the administration would continue to promote transparency, accountability and peace despite criticisms.
“We are not at war with anybody. We are at peace with ourselves and we will continue to do the right thing,” he said.
ItThe judgment by Justice Okeleke had ordered the publication of monthly revenues, incomes and expenditures and restrained implementation of the 2026 budget, except payment of salaries, until compliance is achieved. The ruling, first reported by Ndokwa Reporters on May 13, has continued to generate reactions among stakeholders within and outside Ukwuani Local Government Area.
