By Seyi Odewale
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday revealed how the suspended 18 Local Government Council chairmen remitted about N12bn to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months.
Okpebholo made these revelations while playing host to the acting chairmen and councilors of the 18 LGAs, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit
While commending the acting chairmen and councillors for their courageous actions in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level, the Governor stressed that their funds do not belong to any individual, irrespective of their status.
Okpebholo said, “When I came into the office, I met with the Accountant-General, who showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.
“I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item tagged “Environmental security funding. I had never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800m every month. These chairmen were contributing this money and giving it to a party’s leaders.”
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 specific spending, but none could. He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would do so 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. Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to review their records.
“As a former parliamentarian, I know a body has oversight over them, so I sent a letter to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), and they were invited. They refused to come and were suspended for two months.”
He noted that these chairmen were wasting money “even when our schools did not have teachers. When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, where you should have 10 to 12 teachers.
“I want to thank you because you people have changed the narrative, 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.
“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognised the local government and advised governors.
“I am ready to work with the Chairmen of various local government Councils. I am prepared to work with you to see the progress of various council areas. You have the full power as local government chairmen. The local government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in serving 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,” Okpebholo advised.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission, 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.
Lawani said, “The Chairmen working at the grassroots level are in full support of your development and 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, Iradia Benjamin Osas; Esan West, Godsent Agboibo; and Owan West, Joy Ohonyon, all pledged their loyalty to the administration, assuring the Governor and the people of the state that they would collaborate and support the Okpebholo-led administration in succeeding and delivering the dividends of democracy, especially to people at the grassroots.
