Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday alleged that the 18 warring local government council chairmen in one year and three months remitted more than N12 billion to leaders of the opposition People's Democratic Party ( PDP) in the state.
Governor Okpebholo made the allegation while acting as host to the acting chairmen and councilors of the 18 local government areas, who were at Government House on a courtesy visit.
He congratulated the acting chairmen and councilors for their brave act of defending democracy and ensuring transparency at the local government level, and emphasized that local government funds do not belong to any individual, regardless of their status.
Okpebholo narrated: “When I entered the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant General and he showed me some books. Some of these expenses were unexplained.
“I became interested in some of the spending because I saw an item labeled “Environmental Safety Funding.”
“I had never heard of it before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These presidents contributed this money and gave it to the leaders of a party.”
The Governor said the alleged discovery led to a meeting with former presidents who were asked to explain the money allocated to Environmental Security funding, but could not.
“I invited the presidents but I could not meet them, but my deputy met them. He asked them to explain certain expenses, but none of them could explain it.
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“He asked them to give him their books and they accepted and said they would do it in 24 hours, but the deputy said no, it should be in 48 hours.
“But these presidents did not obey the instructions in two weeks because none of them presented their books.
“Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate their records.
“As a former MP, I know that there is a body that has a function over them, so I sent a letter to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and they were invited and they refused to come and were suspended for two months” . Okpebholo added.
He further alleged that the suspended or impeached presidents were incurring unnecessary expenses.
“Even when our schools didn't have teachers. When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, when you are supposed to have between 10 and 12 teachers.
“I want to thank you because you have changed the narrative since what you have done is not outside the law.
“Accusing someone who is corrupt, who has used local funds for his personal benefit, is not wrong. I recognize you as my presidents.
“The only way to promote development towards the bases is through you. The President also recognized local government and advised governors.
“I am willing to work with the presidents of various local government councils. I stand ready to work with you to see several areas of the Council progress.
“You have full powers as presidents of local governments. The Local Government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure that you succeed in your duties of serving the grassroots population.
“The money that belongs to the local government. It does not belong to you but to the bases. So go and work with the resources,” Senator Okpebholo advised.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, who led the courtesy visit of the acting local government chairmen, assured the Governor that the chairmen are ready to work closely with the administration and ensure that the grassroots people enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Lawani said: “The presidents working at the grassroots level fully support your development effort in the state and are ready to partner with you to ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoy good governance.”
Uhunmwonde acting presidents, Hon. Iradia Benjamín Osas; Esan Oeste Hon. The Envoy of God Agboibo; and Owan West, Hon. Joy Ohonyon, pledged their loyalty to the state government.
They assured Opkebholo and the people of the state that they will collaborate and support the current administration in Edo to succeed and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, especially the grassroots.