Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused the chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas (LGAs) of failing to show tangible results despite receiving over N83 billion in federal allocations last year. Okpebholo’s remarks, made on Thursday, were in response to concerns over the management of local government funds in the state.
In his latest statement, Okpebholo highlighted that the local councils had received significant financial support from the Federal Government, particularly under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to the governor, over N8 billion was allocated to the 18 councils in December alone, but he lamented that there was little to show for these funds in terms of development at the grassroots level.
The governor’s allegations come two days after he accused the suspended local government chairmen of diverting a staggering N12 billion, which was purportedly funneled to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
During a visit by the acting chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government, Alabi Oshionogue, and his councillors, Okpebholo presented figures from the Accountant-General’s office that showed the councils received over N6.5 billion monthly between January and September 2024. From October to December, the figure reportedly rose to over N8 billion monthly, totaling over N83 billion for the year.
Okpebholo noted that these allocations were a significant increase from the N3.5 billion the state previously received each month before Tinubu’s administration took office. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of visible development in the local councils, stating, “The 18 local government councils have nothing to show for the N83bn received last year.”
The governor reiterated that despite the increase in allocations from the federal government, the local councils had squandered the funds, leaving essential services such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare underfunded. He added that some chairmen had reportedly misappropriated up to N800 million monthly from local government accounts, while crucial sectors like schools were suffering from poor infrastructure and a lack of resources.
“The chairmen had been in office for one year and they have nothing to show for it, while other states are utilizing their resources well for the people,” Okpebholo said. “We are here to correct the wrongs. Edo State must move forward, and no individual will draw us back.”
Okpebholo also emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving governance at the grassroots level, with a particular focus on agriculture, which he pledged to invest heavily in. He called on local government officials to align their work with President Tinubu’s vision for local government reforms and ensure that development reaches the grassroots.
In response to the governor’s allegations, the caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, urged Okpebholo to refer his claims to anti-corruption agencies if he had evidence to back them up. Aziegbemi accused the governor of focusing too much on financial figures and called on him to prioritize governance.
“It is not his job to wake up every morning and talk about money spent,” Aziegbemi said. “He should get on with the governance of the state and stop disturbing us with figures. Is that why he was elected? He should carry on with his job.”
Meanwhile, leaders from Akoko Edo, including former state assembly speaker Kabiru Ajoto and local APC chairman Monday Ose, expressed their support for the governor’s administration and its focus on grassroots development. They praised ongoing projects, such as the construction of the Auchi-Ibilo road, and pledged to cooperate with the governor to ensure Edo State’s progress.
As the political tension continues over the management of public funds, Okpebholo’s government remains focused on ensuring that the increased federal allocations translate into tangible improvements for the people of Edo State.
