Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed that the 18 suspended Local Government Chairmen in the state funnelled over N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) within 15 months.
He made this revelation yesterday while receiving the acting Chairmen and Councillors of the 18 Local Government Areas during a courtesy visit at the Government House.
Governor Okpebholo commended the acting Chairmen and Councillors for their dedication to transparency and democracy, emphasising that public funds should not be diverted for personal or partisan interests.
He said when he assumed office, he met with the Accountant-General, who showed him financial records, noting that he discovered unexplained expenses, including an item labelled ‘Environmental Security Funding,’ amounting to N800 million monthly.
He noted that the money was remitted to party leaders under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He recounted efforts to seek explanations from the suspended Chairmen, who failed to provide clarity on the questionable expenditures.
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According to the governor, he invited the Chairmen to explain these allocations, but none could, even after agreeing to submit their financial records within 48 hours.
He noted that they failed to do so for two weeks and he consequently involved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and informed the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), which led to their suspension for two months.
Governor Okpebholo also criticised the former Chairmen for neglecting essential services, such as education.
He stated that despite schools lacking adequate teachers, with some primary schools having only two or three teachers instead of 10 to 12, the local government funds were being squandered,” he lamented.
Addressing the acting Chairmen, he urged them to focus on grassroots development and utilize public funds responsibly.
“The money belongs to the people, not you. Work with the resources to deliver progress at the grassroots. I recognize you as the legitimate leaders and will collaborate with you to ensure success,” the governor assured.
Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, pledged the acting Chairmen’s commitment to supporting the administration’s development agenda.
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“We are fully aligned with your vision and will work closely with you to bring good governance to the grassroots,” Lawani said.
Acting Chairmen, including Iradia Benjamin Osas (Uhunmwonde), Godsent Agboibo (Esan West), and Joy Ohonyon (Owan West), expressed loyalty to Governor Okpebholo’s administration, promising to prioritise the welfare of the people and collaborate to deliver the dividends of democracy.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering local governments and fostering sustainable development across the state.
