Okpebholo exposes ₦12bn PDP remittance by LG Chairmen

Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Jethro Ibileke

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about ₦12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over 15 months.

He further argued that there was nothing wrong with impeaching corrupt elected officials who divert public funds for personal use.

The Governor made this disclosure while hosting the Acting Chairmen and Councillors of the 18 Local Government Areas during a courtesy visit to the Government House.

He commended the Acting Chairmen and Councillors for their courageous efforts in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the local government level, emphasising that public funds do not belong to any individual, irrespective of their status.

“When I came into office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, who showed me some records. Some of the spending had no explanation.

“I picked interest in some of the entries because I saw an item tagged ‘Environmental Security Funding.’ I had never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge—₦800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and giving it to leaders of a party,” Okpebholo said.

This revelation, he explained, led to a meeting with the Chairmen, who were asked to explain the funds allocated to Environmental Security Funding, but they could not.

“I invited the Chairmen, but I could not meet with them directly, so my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain expenditures, but none could provide an explanation. He asked them to present their records, and they agreed to do so within 24 hours. However, the Deputy extended the deadline to 48 hours.

“But these Chairmen didn’t comply even after two weeks, as none of them submitted their records. Following this development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate their records.

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“As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body responsible for oversight over them. So, I sent a letter to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA). They were invited but refused to attend and were subsequently suspended for two months,” he added.

Okpebholo accused the suspended or impeached Chairmen of engaging in wasteful spending, “even when our schools lacked teachers. When you visit primary schools, you find two or three teachers where there should be 10 to 12 teachers.”

He applauded the Acting Chairmen and Councillors, stating, “The narrative has changed because of your actions. What you have done is not against the law. Impeaching someone who is corrupt and has used public funds for personal gain is justified. I recognise you as the legitimate Chairmen.

“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President has also recognised the importance of local governments and advised Governors accordingly.

“I am ready to work with the Chairmen of the various Local Government Councils. Together, we will ensure progress in all council areas. You have full authority as local government Chairmen. The Local Government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in serving the grassroots.”

He reminded the Acting Chairmen that the funds belong to the local government and must be used for grassroots development. “So, go and work with the resources at your disposal,” he advised.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Damian Lawani, who led the Acting Local Government Chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured the Governor that they were ready to collaborate with his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

“The Chairmen working at the grassroots level are in full support of your developmental strides in the State and are committed to ensuring good governance reaches the people,” Lawani said.

Earlier, the Acting Chairmen of Uhunmwonde, Iradia Benjamin Osas; Esan West, Godsent Agboibo; and Owan West, Joy Ohonyon, pledged their loyalty to the administration.

They assured the Governor and the people of Edo State that they would work collaboratively with the Okpebholo-led administration to deliver the dividends of democracy, especially to the grassroots.

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