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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The suspension of the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen in Edo by the State House of Assembly has taken a new turn, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday commenced an investigation into their activities in office.
The EFCC, in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, inviting the Council Chairmen through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, stated: “The Commission is investigating a case in which the need to request certain clarifications from the 18 Local Government Chairmen has become imperative.”
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly inform and release the 18 Local Government Chairmen to attend an interview with the undersigned through ACE II Dare Folarin at the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate, No. 1 High Court Road, G.R.A. Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, at 1000 hours.”
“The Chairmen of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East & Etsako West should report on Thursday 19th December 2024, while Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils should report on Friday 20th December 2024.”
The Chairmen were required to bring along certified true copies of comprehensive documentation relating to staff strength, payroll, and other relevant documents.
It is recalled that the Edo State House of Assembly had on Tuesday suspended the Local Government Chairmen from office, following a letter to the Assembly from Governor Godwin Obaseki, which accused them of gross misconduct and insubordination, after they failed to submit the financial statements of their Councils within 48 hours as earlier requested by the State Government.
Shortly after the suspension of the Council Chairmen, the State Government inaugurated an investigative panel of inquiry to investigate their activities.
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The State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, while inaugurating the panel, which has a retired Permanent Secretary and former General Manager of the Nigerian Observer, Solomon Imohionsen, as Chairman, stated that accountability and transparency were the cornerstones of good governance.
He said that the action of the Chairmen’s refusal to submit their financial statements as ordered by the Edo State Government was a breach of public trust, hence their suspension.
“As a leader, we must always scrutinise the welfare and confidence of our people, as Edo State will continue to set the standard for good governance. I hereby inaugurate the Committee,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of the Panel, Solomon Imohionsen, promised that the panel would be objective while carrying out their duties.
“The Executive Governor has the right under Section 20 of the Local Government laws to dissolve the Council if the Chairmen, or Vice-Chairmen, are not contributing or performing their functions judiciously for the welfare of the people.”
“We assure Mr. Governor that the committee will do its best, be objective, and consider the law and all circumstances before reporting back on what we have been assigned to do,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Samson Osagie, has stated that the lawmakers acted in order, and the outcome of the findings of the panel of inquiry set up to investigate the activities of the Council Chairmen will determine who will finally be removed among them.
