Edo Governor Exposes N12Bn PDP Heist: Suspended Chairmen, Leaders Implicated.
Governor Monday Okpebholo
Eben Enasco Reporting.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, revealed a massive corruption scandal involving suspended Local Government Chairmen and Peoples Democratic Party PDP, leaders.
Approximately N12 billion was reportedly remitted to PDP leaders within 15 months, according to the Governor.
Key findings by the Governor on Tuesday, when he played host to the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit, revealed that suspicious transactions labeled “Environmental Security Funding” where N800 million was allegedly dispensed every month.
Governor Okpebholo emphasised that the Chairmen failed to provide financial records where he invited
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, and Edo State House of Assembly EDHA to initiate investigations.
Governor’s Statement
“These Chairmen’s actions undermined democracy and transparency.”
Governor Okpebholo said: “When I came into the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.
“I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged “Environmental security funding. ” I have never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and gave it to the leaders of a party.”
“I invited the Chairmen but could not meet with them, but my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain. He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would in 24 hours, but the Deputy said no, and I Iet it be in 48 hours.
“But these Chairmen didn’t obey the instructions in two weeks as none of them submitted their books. Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to look into their records.
“As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them, so I sent a letter to Edo State House of Assembly EDHA, and they were invited and they refused to come and they were suspended for two months.”
“I am ready to work with the Chairmen of various local government Councils. I am ready to work with you to see that various Council areas progress. You have the full power as local government chairmen. The local government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people.
In the statement released and made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Fred Itua, further stressed the commitment to transparency, collaboration with acting Chairmen and Councilors, empowering Local Government Commission, thereby, ensuring grassroots development.
On his part, Chairman Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, leading the acting local government Chairmen on a courtesy visit, assured Governor Okpebholo of Close collaboration with the administration, ensuring grassroots communities benefit from democratic dividends as well as transparent governance.
Reacting, Acting Chairmen pledged loyalty and support for Governor Okpebholo’s administration.