Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo says the suspended Local Government chairmen in the state emblezed over eight hundred million Naira each on a monthly basis at their respective local Government areas to fund some Politicians in the state.
Governor Okpebholo made this allegation while playing host to the Acting Chairmen of the eighteen local Government Councils in the state and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Damian Lawani at the festival Hall of Government House, Benin City.
The Governor explained that upon assumption of office, he held a meeting with the Edo state Accountant General were he was shown the financial records of the state.
He noted upon perusal there was a segment caption in the record” environmental security” which the state accountant general could not provide details upon interrogation.
Governor Okpebolo alleged that upon findings, it was discovered that eight hundred million Naira monthly was being given to some Politicians by the suspended Local Government chairmen across the state.
He maintained that following the development he had to invite most of the local Government chairmen to come with their financial statements for scrutiny which they promised to do, but never did but result to blackmail..
Governor, Okpebholo, charged the acting Chairmen of the eighteen Local Government Councils of the state to prioritize transparency and effective use of resources to deliver development to the grassroots.
He urged them to ensure accountability at the local government level, maintaining that Local Government council funds must be used solely for the benefit of the people.
In a remark, Acting Chairmen, including those from Oredo, Mr Fred Iredia, Esan West, Mr Godsent Aigbogun and Owan West, Mrs joy Elohor representing the three Senatorial District of the state pledged their loyalty to the Governor administration and assured him of their readiness to collaborate in achieving his vision for Edo State.
The Acting local government chairmen are all members of the People’s Democratic party.
