Attention Returns To LG Autonomy As Gov Okpebholo Orders Edo LG Chairmen To Provide Financial Statements Within 48 Hours

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Tuesday, directed chairmen of the 18 local governments in the state to make their respective financial statements available to the state government within 48 hours and this has returned attention to the issue of local government autonomy.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the governor gave the directive during the meeting held with the council chairmen at the Government House in Benin City on Tuesday at his instance.

Recall that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had on July 11, 2024, made decisive decisions on local government administration in the country which include limiting the involvement of the state governors.

The apex court had also taken their hands off the local government funds and the running of the third tier of government by declaring that it is unconstitutional for them to interfere and get involved in how the local government funds are utilized.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Dennis Idahosa at the meeting held with the LG chairmen on Tuesday, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

The financial statements should according to him cover the period from September 4, 2023, to November 2024.

 The local government chairmen have been asked to  make these available to the Assets Verification Committee through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Mr Idahosa restated the governor’s resolve to foster collaboration with the council bosses for the  progress of the state.

‘I have listened to you keenly. The governor is a leader of all of us. Election has come and gone, and we are all one family. The governor has asked me to assure you that we are one family.

Mr. Governor is committed to transparency and accountability in this government. To aid the work of the Assets Verification Committee, the governor would want you to submit your statement of accounts from September 4, 2023, to date, within the next 48 hours. This will enable the committee to perform its duties effectively and efficiently.

The statement of accounts should be submitted through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to the Assets Verification Committee. The governor thanks you for your time’ he said.

Earlier,  Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, who is also the Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, Newman Ugiagbe,  had led the council bosses on a courtesy visit to the governor while expressing their commitment to the  Okpebholo administration, and pledging to support the administration’s policies and programmes to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

‘We are here to congratulate the governor and his deputy on the mandate the Edo people gave them. We also pledge our loyalty to your administration.

Our doors are open to your instructions, policies, and programmes. We are ready to bring these policies to the grassroots to enable our people to benefit from the dividends of democracy, and we will work to ensure your administration succeeds’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you