From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has made fresh revelations on how the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months.
He made the revelations while playing host to the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.
Commending the acting Chairmen and the Councillors for their courageous act 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.
“When I came into office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spendings had no explanation.
“I took an interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged ‘Environmental Security Funding’. I had never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and giving it to leaders of a party,” Governor Okpebholo said.
He stated that the 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; however, my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain. He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed, saying they would 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 look into their records.
“As a former parliamentarian, I know 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. They refused to come, and they were suspended for two months.”
He noted that the Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending, “even when our schools did not have teachers. When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, when you are supposed to have 10 to 12 teachers.”
“I want to thank you because the narrative has been changed by you people, as what you have done is not out of the law. Impeaching somebody who is corrupt, who has used local funds for his personal gain, is not wrong. I recognise 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 ready to work with you to see that various council areas progress. You have the full power as local government chairmen. The local government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people.
“The money that belongs to the local government does not belong to you, but to the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources,” Senator Okpebholo advised.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Hon. 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.
“The Chairmen working at the grassroots level are in full support of your development strive in the State and are ready to collaborate with you to ensure the people at the grassroots enjoy good governance,” Lawani said.
The acting Chairmen of Uhunmwonde Local Government Council, Hon. Iradia Benjamin Osas; Esan West, Hon. Godsent Agboibo; and Owan West, Hon. Joy Ohonyon, all pledged their loyalty to the administration, assuring the Governor and the people of Edo State that they will collaborate and support the Senator Okpebholo-led administration to succeed and deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo State, especially the people at the grassroots.