Governor Okpebholo Accuses Suspended LG Chairmen of Diverting N12 Billion, Calls for Transparenc
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has asserted that impeaching corrupt elected officials is neither wrong nor a sin, especially when public funds are misused.
Speaking on Tuesday while hosting the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo alleged that the suspended council chairmen remitted approximately N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a 15-month period.

The chairmen, elected on the PDP platform on September 2, 2023, were accused of channeling N800 million monthly under the guise of “Environmental Security Funding” to party leaders.
“When I assumed office, I met with the Accountant-General, who revealed unexplained expenditures in the council’s financial records.
One recurring item was tagged ‘Environmental Security Funding,’ involving a significant monthly sum of N800 million. These Chairmen were contributing this money and giving it to party leaders,” Okpebholo stated.
The Governor added that his administration sought explanations from the council chairmen, but they failed to provide accountability.
“The Deputy Governor met with them and requested their financial records, but they refused to submit the documents even after being given two weeks.
This prompted me to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA),” he said.
Governor Okpebholo criticized the chairmen for their alleged wasteful spending, pointing out that many schools in the state lacked adequate teaching staff.
“Our schools have two or three teachers where there should be 10 to 12. Yet, these chairmen were misusing funds meant for the grassroots,” he lamented.
Commending the acting Chairmen and Councilors for upholding democracy, the Governor assured them of his administration’s support to foster development at the grassroots level.
“The money belongs to the local government, not individuals. Use the resources to serve the people,” he advised.
Earlier, Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, who led the delegation, pledged the acting chairmen’s commitment to collaborating with the state government to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Acting Chairmen, including Iredia Benjamin Osas of Uhunmwonde, Godsent Agboino of Esan West, and Joy Ohonyon of Owan West, expressed their loyalty to Governor Okpebholo’s administration and vowed to prioritize good governance and grassroots development.
The Governor reaffirmed his dedication to transparency and accountability in local government administration, urging the acting chairmen to ensure effective use of public resources for community progress.
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