An administrative panel set up by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has allegedly indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, several local government chairmen, and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for mismanaging or diverting over N96 billion in council funds.
A statement released on Sunday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, revealed the findings of the panel, which investigated the financial activities of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen between September 2023 and November 2024.
Presenting the report, panel chairman Solomon Imohiosen alleged that N95,080,676,687.86 was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) but was not properly utilized.
The panel found that there were no meaningful projects to justify the funds spent.
Among those allegedly implicated is Newman Ugiagbe, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government.
Others include Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan.
The report further accused Ugiagbe of using his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, in collusion with others, to divert public funds. It was also alleged that over N10.4 billion was siphoned under the guise of expenses for “Security, Environment, and Training,” with funds funneled into private accounts.
Governor Okpebholo, upon receiving the report, vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute those involved.
“The administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted our resources without accountability. The PDP plundered local government treasuries, and nobody took action.
This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen,” Okpebholo declared.
He assured that the days of financial recklessness were over and called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from public officials.
The governor had set up the Administrative Panel of Inquiry on December 18, 2024, to investigate the financial dealings of the impeached council chairmen.
With the findings now public, all eyes are on the EFCC to take the next step in holding those responsible accountable.
