Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received the findings of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry that investigated the financial activities of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen from September 4, 2023, to November 2024. The governor has pledged to submit the report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on its conclusions.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, shared this information in a statement on Sunday, February 16. He revealed that the panel, chaired by Solomon Imohiosen, uncovered serious financial irregularities, with forensic investigations showing that ₦96 billion was either misused or diverted to private accounts.
“The panel’s investigation revealed significant discrepancies in the financial activities of the 18 Local Government Councils. The recommendations in the report are aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring transparency and accountability in the councils’ financial management,” Imohiosen said while presenting the report to the governor.
The panel’s findings indicate that the 18 Local Government Chairmen received ₦95 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the reviewed period. However, the funds were reportedly mismanaged, with no substantial projects or developments to show for the expenditure.
Additionally, the report alleges that over ₦10 billion was fraudulently misappropriated under the categories of “Security, Environment, and Training.” It suggests that the chairmen contributed to a special account that served as a conduit for draining government resources, with funds being funneled to various individuals and companies.
In addition to the impeached Local Government Chairmen, the report also allegedly implicates former Governor Godwin Obaseki and leaders of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
