The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received the report of an Administrative Panel of Enquiry that investigated the financial dealings of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen from September 4, 2023, to November 2024. The panel’s findings reportedly implicate former Governor Godwin Obaseki and several political figures in the mismanagement and diversion of ₦96 billion.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed in a statement on Sunday, February 16, that the governor intends to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the revelations in the report.
The panel, led by Solomon Imohiosen, found significant financial mismanagement within the 18 Local Government Councils. According to forensic investigations, a total of ₦95 billion was allocated to the councils through the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the period under review. However, the funds were allegedly misused, with no tangible projects to justify the expenditure.
The report further revealed that over ₦10 billion was fraudulently siphoned under the guise of funding Security, Environment, and Training programs. It alleges that the LG Chairmen contributed to a special account, which served as a conduit for siphoning public funds into private accounts of individuals and companies.
Beyond the impeached Local Government Chairmen, the report alleges the involvement of former Governor Godwin Obaseki and key figures within a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.
With these findings, Governor Okpebholo has vowed to take legal action, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring financial integrity in the state.
