EX-ALGON CHAIRMAN DISMISSES SOUTHEAST LG FORUM AS ILLEGITIMATE. (PHOTO).

 Ex-ALGON Chairman Dismisses Southeast LG Forum as Illegitimate

Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke, former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area and Abia State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has declared the so-called Southeast Local Government Forum an illegal and self-serving entity that does not represent former local government chairmen in the region.

In a statement addressing recent political gatherings and public pronouncements by individuals claiming to speak for former Southeast LG leaders, Nwoke labeled the forum as lacking legitimacy and credibility. “There is no recognized or constitutionally backed forum representing former local government chairmen in the Southeast. What we’re seeing is a group of individuals using the name of the region to seek political favor and personal gain,” he said.

Nwoke criticized the group’s attempts to project a false image of regional consensus, calling such actions deceptive and detrimental to genuine democratic representation. “No one appointed them to speak for us. Their statements do not reflect the pain, hardship, or concerns of the people they claim to represent. These are political actors staging a performance, not leaders advancing the public good,” he stated.

The former ALGON chairman also took aim at the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, accusing him of supporting the forum’s activities and prioritizing public appearances over addressing critical issues in the Southeast. “Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu should concentrate on governance and the realities our people face, rather than investing in political theatre. The Southeast remains marginalized, and no amount of staged endorsements can change that truth,” Nwoke remarked.

He further condemned the use of minor political endorsements to divert attention from pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and neglect plaguing the region and the nation. “Our youths are frustrated, our farmers are afraid, and our communities are under threat. These are the realities, not the narratives some are trying to sell,” Nwoke emphasized.

Expressing concern over the politicization of federal government support programs, Nwoke alleged that political actors are exploiting Kalu’s position for personal gain and urged an immediate halt to such practices.

Nwoke called on the media and civil society to exercise discernment and avoid amplifying groups lacking a mandate or moral authority. “This so-called forum should not be taken seriously. It is nothing more than a mouthpiece for political convenience. We must redirect our focus to real leadership, people-centered policies, and the restoration of hope for our region,” he concluded.

The statement has sparked discussions about political representation and accountability in the Southeast, as stakeholders continue to grapple with the region’s challenges.