The Director of the Decentralization Secretariat, Alex Bhonapha, has stated that councillors, mayors, and chairpersons affiliated with the All People’s Congress (APC) may forfeit their April salaries if their ongoing boycott of local council activities continues.

Speaking during an appearance on Truth Media, Bhonapha explained that remuneration for elected local officials is directly tied to the performance of their official duties. According to him, public officials who do not actively participate in council functions are not entitled to receive salaries funded by taxpayers.

He described the acceptance of public funds without corresponding service as an “abuse of office,” emphasizing that accountability remains a key principle guiding the operations of local governance institutions.

Bhonapha further warned that prolonged absence from council responsibilities could have more serious consequences. He indicated that any elected official who fails to resume duties within a three-month period risks having their seat declared vacant, in accordance with applicable regulations governing local councils.

Related News

The development comes amid a broader political standoff, with APC representatives in several councils reportedly abstaining from official proceedings. While the reasons behind the boycott have been widely debated in political circles, the Decentralization Secretariat maintains that statutory obligations must be upheld regardless of political considerations.

Observers note that the Secretariat’s position reinforces the legal framework linking service delivery, compensation, and tenure in public office. By invoking these measures, authorities appear intent on ensuring that governance at the local level is not disrupted for extended periods.

The issue has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders, with some supporting the enforcement of accountability measures, while others view the situation through a political lens. As the deadline for councillors to resume their duties approaches, attention remains focused on how the matter will be resolved and its potential impact on local governance across the country.