The Administrative Panel set by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on December 18th 2024, to investigate the financial dealings of the 18 local government areas from September 4 2023 to November 2024, has indicted the suspended, former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and unnamed individuals of allegedly mismanaging over N95 billion allocations to the councils within the period.
Submitting its report over the weekend, Chairman of the panel, Barr. Solomon Imhoisele alleged that the money was either mismanaged and/or diverted to private accounts adding that a total amount of N95,080,676,687.86 was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 Local Government Areas Chairmen for the period investigated.
The committee alleged that over N10 billion was allegedly fraudulently siphoned, using the pseudonym “Security, Environment and Training” alleging that the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen contributed to the account, using it as a conduit pipe to drain government resources, as money were transferred from there to various individuals and companies.
He said “The panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 Local Governments Councils. The recommendations outlined in the report aim to address these issues and promote transparency and accountability in the Local Governments finances.”
A statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Okpebholo, Fred Itua said revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will be petitioned to prosecute some of the chairmen indicted for allegedly looting the Local Government treasuries.
He quoted the governor as expressing satisfaction with the committee for the professionalism with which it carried out its duty adding that “the days of financial recklessness and lack of transparency in public office were long over. Nigerians need to start demanding accountability from elected public office holders, it is the only way to fight corruption and ensure development.”
“I carefully listened to the submission of the report. The truth is that the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki took the Edo people for granted. They took everything belonging to Edo people and channeled it for their personal gains.
“We thank God for helping us to change the narrative to benefit Edo people. We also thank the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because without his support, we will not be witnessing the kind of development we are experiencing in Edo today.
“A lot has happened. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) looted the treasury of the Local Governments and stole our collective patrimony, and nobody went after them or took action. This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen from Edo people.
“They will be made to pay for it. I will personally take this document to the EFCC and ensure that justice is done for this wrong done to Edo people.”
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