The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has accused suspended chairmen of Local Government Councils in the State of diversity N800m monthly to leaders of the party, amounting to N12 billion for the past 15 months.
He made the disclosure when he received acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas on Tuesday in Government House, Benin City, Edo State.
The Governor hailed the acting Chairmen and Councillors for their courageous act in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level.
The Governor stated that the shocking revelation of fleecing of Council treasury by the elsewhile Council officials elected on the platform or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prompted the State government to direct officials to submit their statements of Accounts, which they rebuffed vehemently.
“When I came into the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.
“I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged “Environmental security funding.
“I have never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and gave it to leaders of a party.”
“I invited the Chairmen, but could not meet with them, but my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain.
“Idahosa asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would in 24 hours, but the Deputy said no, Iet 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 Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and they were invited and they refused to come and they were suspended for two months.”
He alleged that the former Council officials 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, where 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 the Local Government funds for his personal gain is not wrong. I recognize you as my Chairmen.
“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognized 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. It does not belong to you but the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources,” Senator Okpebholo advised.
But, the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, Tony Aziegbemi, punctured Governor Okpebholo’s claim in a statement, challenging him to publish names of beneficiaries of alleged proceed of fraud.
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