A report from the Edo State Administrative Panel of Enquiry has exposed alleged financial mismanagement amounting to N96 billion, linking former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the recently impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen to questionable transactions.
The panel, inaugurated on December 18, 2024, was tasked with scrutinizing the financial records of the affected local councils between September 4, 2023, and November 2024.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who received the findings over the weekend vowed to escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
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According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the panel, chaired by Solomon Imohiosen, uncovered evidence of large-scale financial mismanagement, with funds allegedly diverted into private accounts.
“Our forensic audit revealed substantial irregularities in the financial operations of the 18 Local Government Councils. This report presents critical recommendations to enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of public funds,” Imohiosen stated.
Findings from the panel indicate that the councils collectively received N95 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the review period.
However, the report noted that the funds were not properly utilized, as there were no significant projects to justify the expenditures.
The panel further alleged that over N10 billion was siphoned through an illicit scheme disguised under budgetary headings such as ‘Security, Environment, and Training.’
It claimed that the impeached council chairmen funneled money into a collective account, which was then used to transfer funds to private entities and individuals.
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Beyond the former LG chairmen, the report also implicated prominent political figures, including Obaseki and key leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the alleged financial misconduct.
With the panel’s report now in his possession, Governor Okpebholo has signaled his administration’s determination to hold those responsible accountable, reinforcing his stance on financial transparency and governance reform in the state.
