E do State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial mismanagement during the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
A report by an Administrative Panel of Enquiry claims that N96bn was misappropriated during Obaseki’s tenure.
Okpebholo made this known on Friday while receiving the panel’s report in Benin City. The findings were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
The panel, constituted on December 18, 2024, investigated the financial dealings of the 18 impeached local government chairmen from September 4, 2023, to November 2024. It indicted not only the former chairmen but also alleged that prominent figures within the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were complicit in the misappropriation of funds.
Governor Okpebholo commended the panel for its professionalism and emphasized that financial recklessness in public office would no longer be tolerated. He assured that those found culpable would face prosecution.
“The administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted resources meant for the people and diverted them for personal gains. We are determined to change this narrative and ensure justice is served,” Okpebholo stated. “I will personally take this report to the EFCC to ensure those responsible are held accountable. The era of impunity is over.”
The chairman of the panel, Solomon Imohiosen, stated that forensic investigations uncovered significant financial irregularities, revealing that N95.08bn was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee by the 18 local government councils during the period under review. However, the report claims that there was little to show in terms of meaningful projects executed with the funds.
The panel further alleged that over N10.43bn was siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training,” with the 18 local government chairmen contributing to a fund that was allegedly used as a conduit for misappropriation. Funds were also allegedly transferred from this account to individuals and private companies.
The report also implicated former ALGON Chairman, Oghomwen Ugiagbe, and other political figures, alleging that they used personal businesses, including hotels, to funnel public funds.
“The panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 local government councils. The recommendations outlined in the report aim to address these issues and promote transparency and accountability in local government finances,” Imohiosen said.
However, reacting to the allegations, Obaseki’s Chief Press Secretary, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the report as a politically motivated attempt to justify the unconstitutional removal of elected local government officials.
“Governor Okpebholo has no supervisory power over the local governments and cannot set up an investigation into their financial activities. If he believes there are infractions, he should refer the matter to the appropriate agencies rather than engaging in propaganda,” Osagie stated.
He further accused Okpebholo of attempting to drag Obaseki into the controversy, insisting that the former governor never controlled local government funds during his tenure.
“Okpebholo should focus on governance rather than this witch-hunt against his predecessors. Edo people should ignore these baseless allegations,” he added.
Osagie went on to criticize the governor’s approach, asserting that Okpebholo himself lacked legitimacy due to ongoing legal challenges against his election victory.
“As a matter of fact, these local government chairmen have a better claim to their democratic office than he does, as his election stands on a knife’s edge with the tribunal preparing to deliver justice in the widely contested September 21, 2024 election,” he said.
He reiterated that Obaseki maintained a transparent administration and never exercised control over local government finances. “Okpebholo needs to be reminded that he is neither the Inspector General of Police nor the Chairman of the EFCC. If he suspects financial infractions, he should simply inform the relevant agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, rather than engaging in political theatrics.”
The accusations and counterclaims have further fueled tensions in Edo’s political landscape, with the controversy expected to unfold in the coming weeks as Okpebholo pushes for an EFCC probe.
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