Gov. Okpebholo Accuses 18 Suspended Council Chairmen Of Squandering N18 Billion Federal Allocations

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused the suspended 18 local government chairmen of squandering N18 billion allocated from the federation account (FAAC) in 12 months (one year)

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said that the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, disbursed over N8billion in monthly allocations to the 18 local government councils in the state for December 2024 alone.

According to Itua, the State Accountant-General’s office said that between January and September 2024, the councils received over N6.5 billion monthly.

He said the AG’s office noted that the amount increased to over N8 billion monthly from October to December, bringing the total allocations for the year to over N83 billion for the 18 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led councils.

According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo made this known while receiving the Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, councillors, and All Progressives Congress (APC) party leaders during a courtesy visit to his office in Benin City, the state capital.

The governor expressed concerns over the alleged mismanagement of resources by some local government officials.

He noted that before Tinubu’s administration, the councils were receiving N3.5 billion monthly.

However, President Tinubu first increased allocations to N6.5 billion monthly and subsequently to over N8 billion.

Okpebholo said, “Before Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Edo State’s local governments were receiving N3.5 billion monthly, but today, they are receiving over N8 billion. This increase is not part of the state’s allocation but specifically for local governments.

“President Tinubu has made significant strides to ensure that development reaches the grassroots and that citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance.”

The governor criticised the suspended local government chairmen for their poor performance and alleged financial mismanagement.

He said, “These chairmen have been in office for a year with nothing to show for it. Despite receiving substantial allocations, they deducted N800 million monthly from local government accounts while schools lacked proper classrooms, teachers, and infrastructure.

“This administration is determined to correct these wrongs and ensure Edo State moves forward. No one will hold us back.”