Over N12b Spent On Servicing PDP Leaders By Suspended LG Chairmen. -Gov Okpebholo

Over N12b Spent On Servicing PDP Leaders By Suspended LG Chairmen.         -Gov Okpebholo 

By: Oriaifoh Godwins 

A fresh revelation has been made by governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on how the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted over N12 billion (Twelve Billion Naira) to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 15 months.

Governor Okpebholo made these revelations today, Tuesday 7th January, 2025, while playing host to the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

This development is contained in a Press statement issued from the Office of the Governor of Edo state, and signed by Fred Itua the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.

According to the Press statement, Governor Okpebholo commended the acting Chairmen and the Councillors for their courageous act in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level, and also stressed that, the local government funds do not belong to any individual, irrespective of their status.

Governor Okpebholo said: “When I came into office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of the spendings had no explanation.

"I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged "Environmental security funding. " I have never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money to leaders of a party."

Governor Okpebholo said this revelation led to a meeting with the suspended Chairmen who were asked to explain how the money allocated to Environmental Security funding was utilised, but they could not.

"I invited the Chairmen but could not meet with them, but my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spendings, but none could explain. He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would do so in 24 hours, but the Deputy gave them 48 hours. But these Chairmen didn't obey the instructions in two weeks as none of them submitted their books. Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into their records.

"As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them, so I sent a letter to Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and they were invited but they refused to honour the invitation, hence, they were suspended for two months."

According to the Press statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo noted that the suspended Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending, even when government schools lack adequate teachers, saying; "When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, where you are supposed to have 10 to 12 teachers".

"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 who is corrupt, who has used the local funds for his personal gain is not wrong. I recognize you as my Chairmen.

"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 the Chairmen of various local government Councils. 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 that belongs to the local government, belongs to the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources," Senator Okpebholo advised.

Chairman Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani who led the acting local government Chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured the Governor that the Chairmen are ready to work closely with the administration and ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Hon Lawani said: "The Chairmen working at the grassroots level are in full support of your developmental strive in the State and are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoy good governance."

The acting Chairmen of Uhunmwonde, Hon. Iradia Benjamin Osas; Esan West Hon. Godsent Agboibo; and Owan West, Hon. Joy Ohonyon all pledged their loyalty to the administration, assuring the Governor and the people of Edo State that they will collaborate and support the Senator Okpebholo-led administration to succeed and deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo State, especially people at the grassroots.