BY Aifamokhai Godson
Benin City, January 9, 2025 (ABNews )– The financial mismanagement in Edo State’s Local Government Councils has come under intense scrutiny as it emerged that over N83 billion in federal allocations was squandered over the past year. This revelation has raised concerns about the efficacy of local governance and the use of public funds.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, during a recent meeting with Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, and other council members, highlighted the alarming misuse of the substantial funds provided by the federal government. The councils received an average of N6.5 billion monthly from January to September 2024, which later increased to over N8 billion monthly from October to December.
Despite this financial boost aimed at fostering development at the grassroots level, there is little to show in terms of infrastructural progress or service delivery. Governor Okpebholo expressed his frustration, pointing out that the increased allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration were intended to spur development, but instead, the funds were mismanaged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led councils.
“Before President Tinubu’s tenure, the monthly allocation for Edo State’s local governments was N3.5 billion. The President increased this to over N8 billion monthly, aiming to catalyze grassroots development. Unfortunately, the funds have not been utilized effectively,” Okpebholo lamented.
The Governor criticized the local government chairmen for their lack of accountability, noting that they diverted significant amounts while essential sectors, such as education, suffered due to inadequate infrastructure and resources. “These chairmen boldly withdrew N800 million monthly from local government accounts, neglecting schools and other critical services,” he added.
In a show of solidarity, Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue assured the Governor of the council’s commitment to supporting state initiatives aimed at improving governance and development. Leaders from Akoko-Edo, including former Speaker Rt. Hon. Kabiru Ajoto and APC Chairman Hon. Monday Ose, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for ongoing state projects, such as the construction of the Auchi-Ibilo road, and called for continued governmental support.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the state’s commitment to reversing this trend, stating that his administration will prioritize agriculture and other key areas to ensure that development reaches the grassroots. “We are ready to collaborate with local governments to ensure that President Tinubu’s vision for grassroots development is realized,” he said.
