Headline: Daniel Edor Defends Chairman Melvin Ejeh on Accountability Demand, Exposes Systemic Allocation Fraud in Agatu
_This report is based on a statement posted on the verified Facebook account of Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, Convener/President, Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)_
Agatu Indigenous Youth leader, Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, has come out strongly in defense of Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, amid renewed calls for accountability by activist Simon Aledu.
In a detailed statement published on his verified Facebook account, Edor said he carefully studied the submissions of the Chairman’s media team and supporters, including Ali Alla, before forming his opinion. “You can argue with opinions, but you cannot argue with evidence and fact,” he wrote.
To avoid claims of bias, Edor said he deliberately avoided speaking with the Chairman until he had independently verified facts on allocations and governance processes. “Understanding the process is key to one’s judgement over issues. You cannot fix a car until you first locate the loose bolt or nut holding onto those defective parts,” he stated.
*Key Points from Comr. Edor’s Defense:*
1. *Track Record of Leadership*
Edor described Hon. Melvin as “one of the greatest Chairmen Agatu has ever produced, both in accountability and in his concern for the people.” He noted that in normal reality, there is little under the Chairman’s control that demands a call for accountability, though he stressed that accountability must never be silenced.
2. *The FAAC Allocation Reality*
Edor alleged that while Hon. Melvin’s tenure coincides with the highest allocations on paper, much of it exists only in theory:
– Nearly ₦500 million is reportedly allocated monthly from FAAC, but most of it never reaches the Local Government in cash.
– The Local Government Secretary, not the Chairman, is usually the first to be notified when allocation arrives.
– After salaries and unavoidable statutory payments are made, the balance is often hijacked by “higher powers.” The Chairman cannot question it without risking his job.
– If any funds reach the Chairman, it is rarely more than ₦10 million. He survives largely on minimal allowances, not on phantom allocations.
3. *Personal Sacrifice for Projects*
According to Edor, the Chairman sometimes funds projects with his personal money to preserve his legacy, “things he cannot openly tell the public, but we all understand the process.”
4. *The Chairman’s Ordeal*
Edor warned that if the Chairman were permitted to share his full ordeal, many would never want the position, especially under the current administration. He claimed cash is sometimes borrowed to augment salary payments, despite the so-called half-a-billion monthly allocation.
5. *The Real Accountability We Should Demand*
Edor argued that if the Chairman gave a sincere public account, “you would even protest on his behalf to the State Government and shout, ‘Justice for the Chairman.’” He blamed deception from higher authorities for creating enmity between the Chairman and council members.
*Major Factors Draining Agatu Funds*
Edor, who described himself as independent and often critical of both the Chairman and Governor, listed key factors draining the council’s finances:
– *Governor’s Intervention:* Gov. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia personally offset Agatu’s ₦250 million commitment to the Okokolo-Agagbe road to prevent abandonment.
– *High Project Costs:* The Superb Project (₦185m), healthcare facility renovation and equipment (₦300m), and salaries (₦125–130m) all come from the same inadequate allocation.
– *Ghost Workers:* Agatu has carried an overbloated payroll for 15 years with no record of workers who died, retired, or were retrenched. Cleaning the payroll, Edor said, would attract accusations of sacking relatives.
– *Payroll Beneficiaries:* Some individuals currently working in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and elsewhere remain on Agatu’s payroll, and some of those demanding accountability are beneficiaries.
Edor pledged to urge the Chairman to conduct a thorough screening and remove ghost names, vowing that if the Chairman fails, “we will come out with full chest to challenge him.”
*Conclusion and Appeal*
“That is the reality of things,” Edor concluded. He urged Agatu youth to support Hon. Melvin Ejeh, saying: “It is painful when you are compelled to account for something you didn’t even see. Just that I might start charging him for my prayer and consultations on his behalf these days.”
He ended with appreciation: “Thank you, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh. We love and appreciate all you do. You cannot please everyone, but we know you are doing your best and well. Keep it up.”