Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the chairmen of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas to submit their statements of accounts.
The directive was conveyed on Tuesday during a meeting at the Government House in Benin City. Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor mandated that the statements, covering the period from September 4, 2023, to date, must be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee via the Secretary to the State Government.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Okpebholo stated, “Election has come and gone, and we are all one family. Mr. Governor wants to assure you that we will work closely together to make Edo State better.”
He elaborated further, saying, “The Assets Verification Committee was set up to ensure accountability. However, the committee cannot go across all 18 local government areas, so your cooperation is essential. Submit your statements of accounts within the next 48 hours to enable the committee to work effectively.”
Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, released a statement quoting Okpebholo, in which the governor expressed gratitude to the local government chairmen for their time and anticipated smooth collaboration.
In response, the Edo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Newman Ugiagbe, assured the governor of the chairmen’s unwavering loyalty to his administration.
“We are here to congratulate you and the Deputy on the mandate given to you by Edo people. We also pledge our loyalty to your administration. Our doors are open to implementing your policies and programs at the grassroots. We will ensure your administration succeeds and that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Ugiagbe stated.
