The EFCC has invited 18 suspended Edo local government chairpersons over allegations of fund misappropriation following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Accused of failing to pay workers’ salaries and diverting funds, the chairpersons are under investigation, amid escalating tensions over governance and accountability in Edo State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned 18 suspended local government chairpersons from Edo State over allegations of financial mismanagement. This follows a petition submitted by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing the chairpersons of failing to pay workers’ salaries for October and November despite funds being allocated for the purpose.
According to an EFCC insider, the funds intended for workers’ salaries were allegedly diverted. On Thursday, nine of the chairpersons appeared at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office for questioning, with the remaining nine expected to report on Friday. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, though the EFCC has refrained from divulging specific details at this stage.
The allegations have added to the chairpersons’ woes, as the Edo State House of Assembly recently suspended them and their deputies for two months, citing gross misconduct. The assembly's decision was based on the governor’s earlier petition, which accused the chairpersons of insubordination and failing to submit their councils’ financial records for review.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku of the Edo assembly described the chairpersons’ actions as a breach of governance protocols, supporting the call for their suspension. Meanwhile, the EFCC’s investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial improprieties.
