BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the suspended chairmen of 18 local governments in Edo State for questioning, shortly after the state House of Assembly suspended them for alleged misconduct and insubordination.
In a letter dated December 17, 2024, Abdulkarim Chukkol, Director of Investigation at the EFCC, notified the Secretary to the State Government about the invitations.
The letter, addressed to the state government, directs the chairmen of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West Local Government Areas to report to the EFCC on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Other chairmen, including those from Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West, are also scheduled to appear on the same day.
Others include the chairmen, from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas, are expected to appear the following day, Friday, December 20, 2024.
The EFCC has requested that the chairmen bring comprehensive documents, including certified true copies of staff strength and payroll details. They are also required to provide information about the accounts used for staff salary payments, along with statements of those accounts from January 1, 2024, to the present.
This summons follows the suspension of the local government chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly on December 17, 2024, which also included the vice chairmen. The suspension was prompted by their failure to submit financial statements as directed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The EFCC’s investigation, pursuant to Section 38(1) and (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds at the local government level.
As of the time of reporting, the level of compliance with the EFCC’s summons had not been confirmed.
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