Ex-Port Harcourt mayor defends Wike over alleged misappropriation of LG funds

A former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Ihunwo, has risen to the defense of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over allegations of misappropriating local government funds.

The allegations, made by Victor Odili, former council chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, claimed that Wike deducted ₦20 million monthly from local government allocations during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

However, Ihunwo, in a press release signed on behalf of the 2018-2021 Executive Chairmen, described the allegations as false, stating that Wike never tampered with local government allocation funds.

As Mayor of Port Harcourt City between 2018 and 2021, Ihunwo said Wike led with fairness and integrity, ensuring that local government funds were managed transparently.

He attributed the allegations to personal interests and a means of currying favour or angling for appointments.

He said: “Following recent remarks made by Chief Victor Ifeanyi Odili, the former Chairman of ONELGA, we find it necessary to address the people of Rivers State and Nigeria to set the record straight.

“Chief Odili alleged on social media that former Governor Nyesom Wike deducted ₦20,000,000 monthly from the allocations of local government areas (LGAs) during his tenure. As individuals who served as local government chairmen under Governor Wike, we must categorically refute these claims.

“Wike led with fairness and integrity, treating us all with respect and ensuring that local government funds were managed transparently. His unwavering commitment to rules and regulations earned him both admiration and criticism. Those unwilling to abide by his principled approach may have misunderstood or misrepresented his intentions.

“It is particularly troubling that these unfounded accusations appear to serve personal interests, perhaps as a means of currying favour or angling for appointments. Ironically, the same individuals making these claims had their political ambitions thwarted by close associates—not by Governor Wike.

“For the avoidance of doubt, as someone who served as mayor and Chairman of ALGON during that time, I can confirm that Governor Wike never deducted a single kobo from LGA allocations. The records are clear, and the truth must be upheld.”

However, Ihunwo urged the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to disregard the allegations, emphasizing that Wike’s legacy of accountability and good governance speaks for itself.

He stressed the importance of upholding the truth and not allowing personal grievances to distort history.