Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has defended his administration’s decision to sack all 18 local government chairmen in the state.
The governor accused the ousted officials of misappropriating over ₦83 billion in funds meant for grassroots development within just one year.
During a recent meeting in Benin City with Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, the Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, and other council leaders, Okpebholo highlighted the sharp increase in federal allocations to local governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, monthly allocations for Edo State’s local governments rose significantly from ₦3.5 billion before Tinubu’s tenure to ₦6.5 billion between January and September 2024, and subsequently to over ₦8 billion from October to December.
“Before Tinubu’s administration, Edo State was receiving ₦3.5 billion monthly as local government allocation, but today, local governments in Edo State are receiving over ₦8 billion monthly. This is not state allocation. Yet, there is little to show for it,” Okpebholo remarked.
The governor further alleged that the sacked chairmen withdrew ₦800 million monthly for personal use, leaving critical sectors such as education and infrastructure in disrepair.
He expressed dismay over the lack of development despite the substantial resources provided, citing poor classroom conditions, inadequate teaching staff, and neglected infrastructure.
“These chairmen had the boldness to remove ₦800 million monthly from local government accounts while our schools suffered without good classrooms, teachers, and basic infrastructure,” Okpebholo said.
Governor Okpebholo applauded President Tinubu for increasing local government allocations to promote grassroots development but lamented that the funds were misused. He assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the money is now spent appropriately.
“We are here to correct the wrongs. My administration will ensure that the funds are used to promote development and align with President Tinubu’s vision for grassroots empowerment,” he concluded.
