Fresh controversy has engulfed Burutu Local Government Council in Delta State, as councillors are reportedly under intense pressure to publicly deny reports of a rift with the council chairman, even as they continue to maintain silence over the controversial ₦2.5 million allegedly released to each councillor for ward projects.
The development comes as the Legislative Arm of the council is scheduled to hold its plenary sitting today (Tuesday), a meeting expected to attract keen public attention amid growing calls for the lawmakers to clarify their position on the issues generating controversy.
It was learned that the N2.5million for 2025 ward project was allegedly released on July 16, 2026 following a peace meeting that was brokered by Hon Julius Pondi, the House of Reps Member Representing Burutu federal constituency.
Before Hon Julius Pondi peace meeting, Delta State Commissioner of Finance and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, had earlier wade into the simmering crisis, it was also learned.
Investigations revealed that top and influential political figures, party leaders and stakeholders have mounted pressure on members of the legislative arm to use the sitting to dispel reports of a strained relationship between them and the council chairman in a bid to douse political tension.
However, while the councillors have come under pressure to publicly debunk the alleged rift, they have remained conspicuously silent on the reported ₦2.5 million ward project allocation, which has continued to generate public interest.
A source within the council told newsmen that the focus of those pushing for a public response was to reassure the public that the executive and legislative arms remained united.
“The pressure is for them to deny the reports of a rift with the chairman, but on the issue of the ₦2.5 million ward projects, they are not ready to make any public comment.” the source said.
The source added that Burutu people are increasingly demanding answers on the status of the ward project funds, with many insisting that transparency over the allocation is more important than political denials.
As of the time of filing this report, the Leader of the Burutu Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon.Ekereke Odafe was the only councillor who had publicly refuted the report of a rift with the council chairman.
The remaining councillors had yet to issue any statement either supporting or contradicting the reports, while they also maintained complete silence on the alleged ₦2.5 million released for ward development projects.
The silence of the majority of the lawmakers has continued to fuel speculation within political circles, with the public expected to closely monitor Tuesday’s sitting for any official position from the legislative arm.
