Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has mandated all 18 local government chairmen to submit their financial statements to the Assets Verification Committee within 48 hours, starting from their assumption of office on September 4, 2023. This directive was conveyed during a meeting led by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. The chairmen, who were sworn in following local elections, are expected to facilitate this submission through the Secretary to the State Government. The urgency of the request underscores the government’s intention to establish a clear financial overview as it embarks on its administrative agenda.
Idahosa highlighted that the submission of these financial statements is essential for the efficiency of the Assets Verification Committee in performing its responsibilities. The governor’s initiative is framed as a step towards nurturing a transparent governance structure, which the administration believes is vital for gaining the trust of the public. The emphasis on accountability aligns with broader efforts to ensure that local governments operate under stringent fiscal regulations and oversight, which is a critical element of effective governance in Edo State.
During the meeting, the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Newman Ugiagbe, expressed the council chairmen’s support for Okpebholo’s administration. Ugiagbe affirmed their commitment to the governor’s policies and the importance of ensuring that these policies reach the grassroots communities. His remarks reflect an acknowledgment of the newly elected officials’ role in local governance and their responsibility to implement state directives at the local level effectively.
While the local government elections, overseen by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, were a significant milestone, they have not been without controversy. The legitimacy of these elections has been challenged, particularly by the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) faction, led by Col. David Imuse (retd.), who declared the elections invalid. This contention adds complexity to the political landscape, as the new local government chairmen navigate their roles amid ongoing disputes surrounding the electoral process.
The political climate in Edo State remains tense as parties address the ramifications of the recent elections. In this context, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee has indicated that it will articulate its position concerning Okpebholo’s directive and the broader implications of local governance and transparency. The forthcoming statement is likely to clarify the party’s stance and signal its engagement with the developments under the new administration.
In summary, the directive from Governor Okpebholo serves as a foundational step toward establishing a transparent governance framework in Edo State. The local government chairmen’s compliance with this request will be crucial in demonstrating their commitment to accountability, especially as they deal with the ramifications of the contentious local elections. The interplay between local governance and political dynamics will shape the effectiveness of the administration’s initiatives moving forward, particularly as stakeholders from various parties express their positions on the unfolding political landscape in the state.
