NIGERIA: Edo LG Autonomy: Okpebholo Demands Edo LGA Account Statements Within 48 Hours

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The autonomy of local governments in Edo State appears to be under scrutiny as Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, ordered the 18 local government chairmen to submit their financial account statements from September 4, 2023, to date within 48 hours.

The directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House in Benin City, where the governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

“This government is committed to transparency and accountability,” Idahosa said, relaying the governor’s orders. “To aid the work of the Assets Verification Committee, the governor has requested your statements of accounts within 48 hours to enable the committee to perform its duties effectively.”

The submission, according to the directive, must be routed through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to the Assets Verification Committee.

The chairmen, led by Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State Chapter, and Orhionmwon Local Government Area boss, pledged their loyalty to the state administration.

“We are here to congratulate the governor and deputy on the mandate the Edo people gave them,” Ugiagbe said. “Our doors are open to your instructions, policies, and programmes. We are committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots.”