Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that the 18 local government chairmen recently suspended from office failed to account for approximately N12 billion allegedly remitted to some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a 15-month period.
Governor Okpebholo made the revelation on Tuesday, January 7, while addressing the acting chairmen and councillors of the 18 local government areas who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.
Commending the acting officials for “upholding democracy” and ensuring transparency, Okpebholo emphasized that public funds belong to the people, not any individual, regardless of their status.
“When I came into the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation. I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged ‘Environmental security funding.’
“I had never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge – N800 million every month. These chairmen were contributing this money and gave it to leaders of a party,” the governor stated.
Following this discovery, Okpebholo said a meeting was held with the suspended chairmen, who were asked to clarify the expenditures, particularly the allocation marked as ‘Environmental Security Funding.’
However, they failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
“I invited the chairmen but could not meet with them. But my deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain.
“He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would in 24 hours. But the Deputy said no, let it be in 48 hours.
“But these Chairmen didn’t obey the instructions in two weeks, as none of them submitted their books,” Okpebholo recounted.
In response to their failure to comply, the governor reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and also referred the issue to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA).
He explained, “As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them. So I sent a letter to EDHA, and they were invited. They refused to come and were suspended for two months.”
The governor further criticized the suspended officials for wasteful spending despite the dire state of primary education in the state.
“Even when our schools did not have teachers, when you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers where you are supposed to have 10 to 12 teachers.”
He praised the acting chairmen for initiating positive change and reassured them of his support, saying,
“I want to thank you because the narrative has been changed by you people, as what you have done is not out of the law. Impeaching somebody corrupt, who has used the local funds for his gain, is not wrong. I recognize you as my chairmen.”
Okpebholo pledged to collaborate closely with the acting officials to drive grassroots development, emphasizing that local government resources should be used for the benefit of the people.
“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognized the local government and advised governors. I am ready to work with you to see that various council areas progress.
“You have the full power as local government chairmen. The Local Government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people.
” The money belongs to the local government. It does not belong to you but the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources,” he stated.
Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, who led the acting chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured the governor of their commitment to collaborate with the administration and ensure grassroots communities benefit from democratic dividends.
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