Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused the chairmen of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas of failing to account for the N83 billion they received in allocations in 2024 from the Federal Government.
This allegation was made on Thursday during a meeting with Akoko Edo Local Government’s acting chairman, Alabi Oshionogue, and councillors at the Government House in Benin City.
The governor’s claim follows his earlier assertion that the suspended chairmen diverted N12 billion of council funds to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. He also alleged that over N8 billion was allocated to the councils in December 2024 alone, with no tangible development to show for it.
Okpebholo said, “Between October and December, the 18 local government councils received over N8 billion monthly from the federation account. Cumulatively, the councils, in one year, earned over N83 billion as monthly allocations.”
Addressing council officials, Okpebholo expressed disappointment over the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for grassroots development. He praised President Bola Tinubu for significantly increasing the monthly allocations to LGAs, saying the funds were meant to promote development at the grassroots level.
He noted, “Before Bola Tinubu’s administration, Edo State was receiving N3.5 billion monthly as local government allocation, but today, local governments in Edo State are receiving over N8 billion monthly. This is not state allocation. The 18 local government councils have nothing to show for the N83 billion received last year.”
The governor criticised the suspended council chairmen, accusing them of withdrawing N800 million monthly from local government accounts while neglecting essential services such as schools, classrooms, and infrastructure.
He stated, “These chairmen had the boldness to remove N800 million monthly from local government accounts while our schools suffered without good classrooms, teachers, and other infrastructure. We are here to correct the wrongs as Edo State must move forward and no individual will draw us back.”
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering development in the state, particularly through agricultural investments and grassroots engagement. He urged local government officials to align with Tinubu’s vision for local councils and ensure the resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Oshionogue thanked the governor for prioritising grassroots development, pledging the council’s full support for the administration’s agenda.
He said, “We have agreed to work with the Okpebholo administration because governance is now moving to the grassroots. We will work with you to ensure you succeed and the state develops.”
Other leaders from Akoko Edo, including former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Ajoto, and Akoko Edo APC chairman, Monday Ose, also commended the governor for his efforts, particularly the ongoing construction of the Auchi-Ibilo road.
In response to Okpebholo’s allegations, chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, criticised the governor, accusing him of focusing on public complaints rather than governance.
He said, “The governor does not have the capacity to understand these figures. The best he can do is to refer these matters to the anti-corruption agencies. It is not his job to wake up every morning and be talking about monies spent. He cannot be accusing men and women of high integrity every day. It is like an obsession for him now.”
Aziegbemi added, “He should get on with the governance of the state and stop disturbing us with figures ranging from N800 million, N8 billion, and now N83 billion. Is that why he was elected? He should please carry on with his job.”
