The council chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Mrs Uphemia Nwali, had a clash with six councillors from the eleven wards of the council due to alleged unpaid wages and other remunerations to the councillors.
An altercation ensued when about seven councillors expressed confidence in Mrs. Nwali during her 2024 budget presentation at the council headquarters in Onueke.
However, six out of the eleven councillors opposed and protested the vote of confidence on Mrs. Nwali.
As a result of the clash, there was a serious security breach at the council headquarters in Onueke, vandalism of vehicles, stabbing of individuals with machetes, and destruction of valuable properties worth millions of naira.
Mr Ukpabi Henry, representing Amagu/Nsokkara ward, stated to the press in Abakaliki that the council chairman had not fulfilled her obligations and the council was experiencing issues such as overgrown weeds, cultism, and robbery.
He called on the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, to intervene and ensure that the council chairman pays the entitled individuals to prevent further disrepute.
In response, Chairman Mrs. Uphemia Nwali refuted owing any entitlement or salaries to the councillors or staff of the council. She accused Ukpabi of being sponsored by Senator Kenneth Eze to destabilize her administration.
Nwali clarified that during the budget presentation, the councillors had passed a vote of confidence due to the peace and infrastructural facilities provided by her administration. She alleged that Ukpabi caused trouble by snatching cars and other properties belonging to the council.
