Edo LGs Squandered N83bn in 12 Months – Okpebholo

• Edo State Governor Okpebholo accuses local government councils of mismanaging ₦83 billion in federal allocations over the past year
• He criticized suspended chairmen for withdrawing ₦800 million monthly while failing to address critical issues like inadequate school facilities

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused the state’s 18 local government councils of mismanaging ₦83 billion in federal allocations over the past 12 months.

Governor Okpebholo made the revelation during a courtesy visit by Akoko-Edo Local Government’s acting Chairman, Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, and councillors to his office in Benin City.

According to the governor, the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu allocated over ₦8 billion to the local councils in December alone.

He explained that between January and September 2024, monthly allocations were around ₦6.5 billion, increasing to over ₦8 billion from October to December.

“Cumulatively, the 18 local government councils led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earned over ₦83 billion in one year from monthly allocations,” the governor stated.

He highlighted that before President Tinubu’s administration, local governments received ₦3.5 billion monthly, but this figure was later increased to ₦6.5 billion and subsequently over ₦8 billion to promote grassroots development.

Okpebholo lamented the lack of development and accused the suspended council chairmen of withdrawing ₦800 million monthly from local government accounts despite failing to address critical issues such as inadequate classroom facilities and school teacher shortages.

“These chairmen dared to siphon ₦800 million monthly while our schools were left without good classrooms, teachers, or necessary infrastructure,” he said.

The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to reform and ensuring Edo State progresses. We will invest heavily in agriculture and collaborate to improve things,” he added.

Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue commended Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to grassroots development and promised support for his administration’s efforts.

“We have resolved to work with your administration because governance is moving to the grassroots. We will work together to ensure the state develops,” Oshionogue assured.