Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed concern over the mismanagement of over N83 billion in federal allocations by the state’s 18 Local Government Councils within the past year.
He revealed that the councils, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), received increased monthly allocations from the Federal Government but failed to deliver corresponding development at the grassroots.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, and other councillors and party leaders, Governor Okpebholo highlighted that the monthly allocations to the councils were increased by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration from N3.5 billion to over N8 billion to foster grassroots development.
“President Tinubu has significantly boosted local government allocations to ensure development reaches the grassroots, but sadly, those elected to manage these funds have squandered them,” Governor Okpebholo lamented. He added that despite the increased funds, the councils have shown little to no improvement in local infrastructure and services.
Governor Okpebholo noted that under previous administrations, such bold financial reforms, like the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Tinubu, had not been attempted. He stressed that the funds should be used to improve schools, infrastructure, and local services, rather than being misappropriated.
During the visit, Hon. Oshionogue assured the Governor of their commitment to working in line with the administration’s vision for grassroots development. Other leaders from Akoko-Edo, including former Speaker Rt. Hon. Kabiru Ajoto and Akoko-Edo APC Chairman Hon. Monday Ose, lauded Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides and pledged their support.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to agricultural investment and infrastructure development, emphasizing the need for accountability and cooperation among local government officials to ensure the effective use of resources for the benefit of the people.
