Hobnob News
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused the suspended chairmen of the state’s 18 local government councils of remitting approximately N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over 15 months. The governor made this assertion during a courtesy visit by the acting council chairmen and councillors at the Government House in Benin City on Tuesday.
The Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, dismissed the allegations, urging the governor to provide evidence to substantiate the claims and involve anti-corruption agencies if necessary. Aziegbemi criticized the governor’s approach, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and avoid unsubstantiated accusations.
Background of the Allegations
The Edo State House of Assembly, on December 17, 2024, passed a resolution suspending the 18 local government council chairmen and vice-chairmen following a petition from Governor Okpebholo. The petition cited their refusal to submit financial records as required by the state government. Subsequently, the chairmen sought legal redress, resulting in a Federal High Court ruling that the status quo be maintained pending the outcome of the case.
Despite the court’s decision, legislative leaders in the councils assumed executive functions. The governor alleged that the suspended chairmen had engaged in questionable financial practices, including allocating N800 million monthly to a vaguely defined “Environmental Security Funding.” According to Okpebholo, this sum was funneled to PDP leaders under the guise of local government expenditures.
“When I came into office, I reviewed the financial records and found significant unexplained expenditures,” Okpebholo stated. “These chairmen were allegedly contributing this money and giving it to leaders of a political party.”
Failure to Provide Financial Records
The governor further disclosed that multiple attempts to obtain explanations and financial records from the suspended chairmen were unsuccessful. “My deputy met with them and requested their records within 48 hours. However, after two weeks, none of the chairmen complied,” Okpebholo said.
He added that letters were sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Edo State House of Assembly to investigate the allegations. The chairmen’s refusal to cooperate with lawmakers led to their suspension.
Okpebholo lamented the impact of alleged mismanagement on grassroots development, noting the dire conditions of local primary schools with inadequate teaching staff. “While funds were wasted, essential services like education suffered significantly,” he remarked.
PDP’s Response
In a swift reaction, PDP Caretaker Chairman Tony Aziegbemi challenged the governor to present concrete evidence to support his allegations. “The governor should specify who received what, when, and how,” Aziegbemi said. “As the chairman of the party, I am not aware of any such funds being given to PDP leaders.”
He called on the governor to pursue due process, urging him to refer the matter to anti-corruption agencies rather than making unsupported claims. “The route the governor is taking to justify the illegal suspension of the chairmen is unreasonable,” Aziegbemi said.
Governor’s Warning to Council Leaders
Governor Okpebholo used the occasion to admonish the acting council chairmen, emphasizing their responsibility to utilize local government funds for grassroots development. “The money belongs to the people. It is not for personal enrichment,” he warned.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Damian Lawani, assured the governor of the acting chairmen’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the alleged diversion of funds and the suspension of local government chairmen continues to stir political tensions in Edo State. As the governor reiterates his commitment to accountability, the PDP insists on the need for evidence and adherence to the rule of law. The public awaits further developments as the case unfolds in court and investigative bodies.
