By Damilare Adeleye
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a 48-hour deadline to the 18 local government council chairmen in the state to submit their financial statements.
According to the directive announced on Tuesday, the council chairmen are mandated to present their statements of accounts to the Assets Verification Committee through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The reports are to cover the period from September 4, 2023, to date.
The ultimatum was given during a courtesy visit by the council chairmen, led by Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to the Government House in Benin City.
The governor was represented at the meeting by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa.
According to a statement by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He said, “The governor wants to assure you that we are one family, united in purpose. In line with this, the Assets Verification Committee was recently constituted to promote accountability across the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State.”
“To facilitate their work, you are directed to submit your statements of accounts from September 4, 2023, to date, within the next 48 hours. This will enable the committee to carry out its duties effectively.”
In his remarks, Ugiagbe reaffirmed the loyalty of the council chairmen to Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
He stated, “We are here to congratulate you and the Deputy Governor on your mandate and to pledge our unwavering support. We are committed to implementing your policies at the grassroots level to ensure the people benefit from the dividends of democracy.”
