Benin City, Edo State – The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has announced its intention to formally petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial mismanagement amounting to N96 billion during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This revelation follows the findings of an Administrative Panel of Enquiry set up to investigate the financial activities of the 18 impeached local government chairmen between September 4, 2023, and November 2024. The report, submitted to Governor Okpebholo on Friday, was made public through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.
Panel Report Uncovers Alleged Financial Misconduct
The panel, which was inaugurated on December 18, 2024, uncovered significant financial irregularities, particularly regarding funds allocated to local governments. According to the report, a staggering N95.08 billion was disbursed to the 18 local government councils through the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC). However, forensic investigations indicated that there was little evidence of tangible development projects executed with the funds.
Further findings suggested that over N10.43 billion was allegedly siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training,” with the impeached local government chairmen purportedly pooling these funds into an account suspected of being a conduit for misappropriation. Additionally, large sums were allegedly transferred to individuals and private companies, including businesses linked to high-ranking political figures.
Among those implicated in the report is former ALGON Chairman, Oghomwen Ugiagbe, along with several political actors within the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The report alleges that these individuals utilized personal businesses, including hotels, as channels for diverting public funds.
Governor Okpebholo: Era of Impunity is Over
Governor Okpebholo, in response to the report, commended the panel for its meticulous work and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in governance. He vowed to take decisive action by ensuring that those responsible for financial misconduct face justice.
“The administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted resources meant for the people and diverted them for personal gains. We are determined to change this narrative and ensure justice is served,” Okpebholo declared.
He further stated, “I will personally take this report to the EFCC to ensure those responsible are held accountable. The era of impunity is over. We will no longer tolerate financial recklessness in public office.”
Obaseki’s Camp Dismisses Allegations as Politically Motivated
In reaction to the allegations, former Governor Obaseki’s Chief Press Secretary, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the findings of the panel as politically motivated and an attempt to justify the impeachment of the 18 elected local government officials.
Osagie argued that Governor Okpebholo has no supervisory authority over the local governments and, therefore, lacks the jurisdiction to probe their financial activities. He contended that any suspected infractions should be referred to appropriate anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) rather than being subjected to political propaganda.
“Governor Okpebholo has no supervisory power over the local governments and cannot set up an investigation into their financial activities. If he believes there are infractions, he should refer the matter to the appropriate agencies rather than engaging in propaganda,” Osagie stated.
He also accused Okpebholo of attempting to drag Obaseki into the controversy, stressing that the former governor had no control over local government funds during his tenure.
“We have read with disdain a statement by Governor Okpebholo alleging that the elected 18 local government chairmen mismanaged N96bn. This is another desperate attempt to justify his unconstitutional onslaught on the elected leadership of the third tier of government. What is most shocking is that Okpebholo appears completely unaware that he lacks the supervisory authority to investigate officials elected into office just like himself,” he added.
Osagie went on to describe Okpebholo’s stance as a “witch-hunt,” urging the people of Edo State to disregard the allegations.
“We urge all Edo people and Nigerians to ignore the lies and falsehoods propagated by Governor Okpebholo. Former Governor Obaseki ran the most transparent government in the history of Edo State and had no authority over local government funds during his eight years in office.”
Political Fallout and Implications
The latest allegations and counterclaims between the Okpebholo-led administration and Obaseki’s camp have further deepened the political divide in Edo State. With Governor Okpebholo’s administration taking a hard stance on financial accountability, the development is expected to draw significant attention from anti-corruption agencies, political analysts, and the public.
As the EFCC is set to be formally petitioned, all eyes will be on how the anti-graft agency responds to the allegations and whether prosecutions will follow. Meanwhile, the political tension in Edo State is expected to heighten, particularly with Obaseki’s supporters insisting that the probe is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the former governor.
The unfolding situation will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Edo State in the coming months. As events develop, Hobnob News will continue to provide updates and in-depth analyses of the implications for governance, accountability, and political dynamics in the state.
