EDO state governor, Monday Okpebholo, revealed on Tuesday that the 18 local government chairmen were suspended for failing to address findings that approximately N12 billion had been allegely transferred to certain leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a 15-month period.
The governor made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by the acting chairmen and councillors of the 18 local government areas at the Government House.
Governor Okpebholo commended the acting chairmen and councillors for their commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting transparency.
He emphasised that public funds belong to the people and should not be misappropriated by any individual, regardless of their position.
Governor Okpebholo said: “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 have 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.”
Governor Okpebholo said this revelation led to a meeting with the chairmen who were asked to explain the money allocated to Environmental Security funding, 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 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, Iet it be in 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 and they refused to come and they were suspended for two months.”
He noted that these Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending “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.
“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. It does not belong to you but 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 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 development strive in the State and are ready to collaborate with you to ensure 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, expecially people at the grassroots.