The suspension of the 18 local government council Chairmen in Edo State by the State House of Assembly took a new turn as the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday commenced investigation into their activities in office.
The EFCC in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, inviting the suspended chairmen through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, said “The Commission is investigating a case in which the need to request for certain clarification from the 18 local Government Chairmen have become imperative.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly inform and release the 18 Local Government Chairmen to attend an interview with the undersigned through ACE II Dare Folarin at The Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate, No. 1 High Court Road, G.R.A. Benin Edo State, Nigeria at 1000 hours.”
The letter directed the chairmen of Akoko- Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako Eost & Esako West to report on Thursday 19th December, 2024 while their counterparts from lgueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils are to appear before the anti-graft agency on Friday 20th December 2024.
The invited chairmen were required to come along with the Certified True Copies of comprehensive documentations relating to their Staff Strength and Payroll among other documents.
Recall that the Edo State House of Assembly had on Tuesday suspended the chairmen from office, following a letter to the Assembly from Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo in the letter accused them of gross misconduct and insubordination following their failure to submit the financial statements of their Councils within 48 hours as earlier directed by the State Government.
Shortly after their suspension, the State Government inaugurated an investigative panel of inquiry to investigate their activities.
Governor Okpebholo, while inaugurating the Panel which has a retired Permanent Secretary and former General Manager of the Nigerian Observer, Solomon Imohionsen, as Chairman, said accountability and transparency were the cornerstone of any good governance.
He described the refusal of the chairmen to submit their financial statement as ordered by the Edo State Government as a breach of public trust, hence their suspension.