Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the 18 local government areas (LGAs) in the state squandered ₦83 billion in federal allocations within the past year.
Governor Okpebholo made this claim while receiving the acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, and councillors during a courtesy visit to his office in Benin.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
According to the governor, data from the state Accountant-General’s office revealed that the LGAs received over ₦6.5 billion monthly between January and September 2024 and over ₦8 billion monthly from October to December 2024.
“Between January and September 2024, the 18 local government councils got over ₦6.5 billion monthly as allocations. Between October and December, they received over ₦8 billion monthly from the Federation Account. Cumulatively, these LGAs, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), earned over ₦83 billion in one year,” Okpebholo said.
Governor Okpebholo highlighted the substantial increase in federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which aimed to drive grassroots development.
“Before Tinubu’s administration, Edo State was receiving ₦3.5 billion monthly as local government allocation. Today, local governments in Edo State are receiving over ₦8 billion monthly. This is not state allocation but specifically for the LGAs,” he noted.
The governor expressed frustration over the lack of tangible development in the LGAs despite the significant funds allocated.
“These chairmen had the boldness to remove ₦800 million monthly from local government accounts while our schools suffered without good classrooms, teachers, and infrastructure. They’ve been in office for the past year with nothing to show for it,” Okpebholo lamented.
He assured the public that his administration would correct the wrongs and prioritize grassroots development.
“Edo State must move forward, and no individual will draw us back,” he declared.
Focus On Agriculture And Grassroots Development
Governor Okpebholo pledged to invest heavily in agriculture and collaborate with local governments to ensure progress. “We will visit you to ensure we collaborate and make things work,” he told the acting chairman and councillors.
In response, Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo LGA, Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, commended the governor for his commitment to grassroots development.
“We have agreed to work with the Okpebholo administration because governance is now moving to the grassroots. We will work with you to ensure you succeed and the state develops,” Oshionogue said.
