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EDO STATE GOVERNOR RECEIVES REPORT ON N96BN LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAUD, VOWS TO PROSECUTE INDICTED OFFICIALS

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will prosecute some of the recently impeached Edo State Local Government chairmen indicted for looting the Local Government treasuries, running into over N95 billion. The Governor received the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry set up to investigate the financial dealings of the impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen in Edo State from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, stated that the report indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others. Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the committee for the professionalism with which it carried out its duty, saying, “Nigerians need to start demanding accountability from elected public office holders.” He stressed that “it was the only way to fight corruption and ensure development.” The Governor vowed to petition the EFCC on the findings of the report for immediate prosecution, saying, “I want to thank you for a job well done. I carefully listened to the submission of the report. The truth is that the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They took everything belonging to Edo people and channeled it for their personal gains.” Fred Itua stated that the panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 Local Governments Councils. The report indicted former ALGON chairman, Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe, who used his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan to loot Local Government funds. The panel reported that N95 billion (N95,080,676,687.86) was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen for the period investigated. However, the funds were not judiciously utilized, as no meaningful projects were on the ground to justify the amount received. Fred Itua stated that the Governor would personally take the document to the EFCC to ensure that justice is done for the wrong done to Edo people.

EDO YOUTHS TELL PDP TO ‘SHUT UP’ OVER OKPEBHOLO’S GOVERNANCE

A group of concerned Edo State youths has responded to a statement by the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticizing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. Comrade Albert Nosa, coordinator of the group, described Governor Okpebholo as a law-abiding and focused leader committed to rescuing Edo State from the debt incurred by the previous administration. Nosa stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the local government workers’ salary for January 2025 will be paid within this week. Due to the timing of the month-end and weekend, there has been a slight delay.” He also confirmed that funds have been sourced for the payment of local government workers in the state. Nosa quoted a source as saying that workers are committed to effective delivery in line with Governor Okpebholo’s vision to drive the state’s economy through local government councils. The youths, through Comrade Nosa, alerted Edo people to be wary of PDP’s “shenanigans,” which have exposed their ignorance of local government administration laws. Nosa said, “Let me tell you journalists, and again, you are living witnesses to the lawless era of Godwin Obaseki. He never obeyed any court order or judgment.” He commended the vision of the local government service commission members for changing the narrative of the commission. Nosa stated, “We can see that the workers are energized, committed to their duties, and willing to give their all in line with the Governor’s vision of Edo State is Rising Again.” The youths charged local government workers to remain focused and dedicated to moving forward.