Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the 18 local governments in the state squandered N83 billion in federal allocations over the past 12 months.
Speaking in Benin during a courtesy visit by Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, the acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, and councillors, Okpebholo revealed that the councils received substantial allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration but failed to deliver development at the grassroots.
He stated that between January and September 2024, the councils received over N6.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, which increased to over N8 billion monthly between October and December. “Before Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Edo State councils were receiving N3.5 billion monthly. Today, they receive over N8 billion monthly. Yet, there is no significant development to show for it,” he lamented.
Governor Okpebholo accused the suspended council chairmen of mismanaging funds, alleging they withdrew N800 million monthly from local government accounts while schools and other critical infrastructure suffered neglect.
“These chairmen have failed the people. My administration will correct these wrongs to ensure Edo State progresses,” he said, adding plans to invest heavily in agriculture and grassroots development.
In response, Acting Chairman Oshionogue pledged support for Okpebholo’s administration, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring development reaches the grassroots.“We will work with you to ensure your administration succeeds and the state develops,” Oshionogue said.
