A panel in Edo State has indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki and several impeached local government chairmen over an alleged N96 billion fraud. The investigation, which focused on financial mismanagement during Obaseki’s administration, has raised significant concerns about the handling of public funds. The panel’s findings have prompted calls for further action from the new governor, Sunday Okpebholo, who has vowed to ensure accountability.
The investigation uncovered that a substantial amount of money, totaling N96 billion, was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee by the 18 local government councils during the period under review. However, there appears to be little evidence of significant projects or development executed with these funds. This has led to accusations of financial recklessness and mismanagement at both the local government and state levels.
Governor Okpebholo, who took office after Obaseki, has expressed his commitment to addressing the alleged fraud. He has pledged to take the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution of those involved. Okpebholo emphasized that his administration will not tolerate corruption and that accountability will be a key focus of his governance.
The panel, which was set up to probe the financial activities of the impeached local government chairmen, also implicated members of the factional Peoples Democratic Party. It suggested that these figures may have been complicit in the mismanagement of public funds. Despite the findings, Obaseki’s camp has dismissed the report, labeling it as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further developments. The case has sparked debates on governance, accountability, and transparency, with many calling for decisive legal actions to address the alleged fraud. It highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring financial integrity within Nigeria’s political landscape.
