From Moshood Karim
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed that a staggering ₦12 billion was allegedly diverted by the recently suspended Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils over the course of 15 months. The funds were reportedly funnelled to leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under questionable circumstances.
The revelation came on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Government House by acting Chairmen and councillors from the affected Local Government Areas. The visit followed the suspension of their predecessors for alleged financial mismanagement.
A statement from the Governor’s Office, signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary and made available to Uptown Press, detailed how Governor Okpebholo uncovered irregularities upon assuming office. He noted that an item labelled “Environmental Security Funding” raised suspicion, as it involved monthly disbursements of ₦800 million without clear justification.
“When I reviewed the financial records presented by the Accountant-General, I noticed unexplained expenses, particularly the so-called ‘Environmental Security Funding.’ I had never encountered such an item before, and its magnitude called for scrutiny,” the Governor explained.
Attempts to seek clarification from the suspended Chairmen were reportedly met with evasion. “They were asked to submit their records within 48 hours but failed to do so even after two weeks. Consequently, I referred the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State House of Assembly,” Okpebholo said.
The Governor criticised the alleged mismanagement of funds, especially given the critical needs at the grassroots level. He highlighted the dire state of primary education, where schools are understaffed, with as few as two teachers instead of the required 10 to 12.
Despite these challenges, Governor Okpebholo commended the acting Chairmen and councillors for their efforts to uphold transparency and democracy. “Your decision to hold corrupt individuals accountable aligns with the law. I recognise you as the legitimate representatives of your councils, and I am ready to collaborate with you to drive grassroots development,” he stated.
Hon. Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, assured the Governor of the acting chairmen’s commitment to promoting good governance and delivering the dividends of democracy.
In their remarks, acting Chairmen Hon. Iradia Benjamin Osas (Uhunmwonde), Hon. Godsent Agboibo (Esan West), and Hon. Joy Ohonyon (Owan West) pledged loyalty to the Governor and promised to work tirelessly to improve the lives of Edo State residents.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring local government funds are utilised responsibly, saying, “These resources belong to the people. Let us use them to bring meaningful development to the grassroots.”
In response, Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee in a statement obtained by Uptown Press said that: “We want to emphasize that every comment made by the governor in the statement is false and baseless and at no point have PDP leaders received any such funds from Local Government Chairmen as ridiculously alleged by the Governor. We doubt very much that the figure blotted out by Mr. Governor-Select is actually the figure he intended to say, we know he was confused a few weeks ago when he was confronted with financials. However, we challenge him to provide proof to substantiate these unfounded claims.
“Okpebholo must understand that the Local Government is neither an appendage nor a subordinate of the State Government, but a constitutionally recognized third tier of government, whose independence and autonomy are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and stop forthwith with this executive rascality before the State descends into anarchy and chaos.”
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
