• Edo House of Assembly
• Edo State
• PDP

EDO STATE GOVERNOR ACCUSES SUSPENDED LG CHAIRMEN OF REMITTING OVER N12BN TO PDP LEADERS

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  Nicolas Adekeye / 2 weeks
• 0
• 2 min read

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made a shocking revelation that the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months. The Governor made this statement while hosting the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas at the Government House. In a statement made available to CTN signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo commended the acting Chairmen and Councillors for upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level. The Governor stressed that local government funds do not belong to any individual, regardless of their status. Governor Okpebholo explained that his discovery of the suspicious transactions began when he met with the Accountant-General, who showed him some financial records with unexplained spending. As Governor Okpebholo delved deeper, he found an item tagged “Environmental security funding,” which amounted to N800 million every month. He invited the Chairmen to explain this spending, but they failed to provide satisfactory answers. The Governor then sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate their records. Governor Okpebholo noted that the suspended Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending, even when schools lacked teachers. The Governor recognized the acting Chairmen and assured them of his support. He emphasized that driving development to the grassroots is their responsibility and that they have the full power to serve the people. Governor Okpebholo advised them to work with the resources available, as the money belongs to the grassroots, not individuals. Chairman Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, who led the acting local government Chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured Governor Okpebholo that they are ready to work closely with the administration. As stated by the Itua, the acting Chairmen pledged their loyalty to the administration and assured Governor Okpebholo that they will collaborate and support his administration to deliver dividends of democracy to Edo State.