The Labour Party in Anambra State has challenged Governor Willie Obiano to account for the local government funds that have accrued to the state for the past 16 months he has been in office.

The party which alleged that the state had received over N80bn from the Federation Account within the period in question said the impact of such a huge sum had not been felt in the state.

Speaking at a news conference in Awka on Saturday, the state chairman of the party, Chief Luke Ezeanokwasa, accused the governor of abandoning most of the projects initiated by the previous administration of Peter Obi.

He said “everything has been at a standstill since Obi left”

Ezeanokwasa said that the governor’s 60th birthday celebration at a time of economic hardship was uncalled for. He noted that it was insensitive for the governor to embark on such a “self-serving celebration at a time of economic crunch.

He also faulted the three flyovers being constructed by the governor in Awka , declaring that the amount being spent would have been used in developing communities like Mgbakwu, Isuaniocha, Urum, Ebenebe among others which the opposition party said had no roads.

He said, “The Labour Party in Anambra State frowns at the deliberate and calculated action of the state governor to bring the local government system in the state to a halt.

“He personifies all institutions of governance in Anambra State in the guise that ‘Willie is working’, if not, why would elected local government chairmen need to apply for approval through the office of the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters to carry out a project of mere N400,000.”

While reacting to claims by the All Progressive Grand Alliance that it was the only party that had the interest of Ndigbo at heart, the LP leader said, “The Labour Party in Anambra State hereby states categorically that the APGA slogan “Onyeahana Nwanneya” is mere noise and is diversionary.

“If not, why would the governor of Anambra State appoint a non-native of Anambra State as the Chairman of the Anambra State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board?

“The governor, as a matter of urgency should terminate the appointment of Alhaji Suleman Mahmud, a serving Federal Government employee and a non-native of Anambra State and follow due process in appointing the new chairman of the board”