The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the suspended chairmen of the 18 local government councils in Edo State for questioning over allegations of financial misconduct. This development was communicated through a letter dated December 17, 2024, signed by the EFCC’s Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, and addressed to the Secretary of the Edo State Government.
In the letter, the EFCC directed the suspended council leaders to report to its office with comprehensive documentation, including:
Certified true copies of staff strength and payroll details.
Account details where funds for staff salaries are deposited and reserved.
Statements of account for these funds, covering the period from January 1 to date.
This request is in accordance with Section 38(1) and (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004. The council chairmen are expected to appear in two batches: the first group on Thursday, December 19, and the second group on Friday, December 20.
The probe follows a petition from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to the State House of Assembly. The governor accused the chairmen of failing to submit their financial records as required by the state government. In response, the Assembly suspended the chairmen and their deputies for two months, citing insubordination and misconduct. This decision, made on December 17, has been met with resistance from the council leaders.
Legal and Political Reactions
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, High Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye, has criticized the State Assembly’s actions. He described the suspension as a violation of recent rulings by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court, which upholds the autonomy and independence of local governments as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Idinye has called for the resignation of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, over alleged contempt of court. The suspended council chairmen, under the umbrella of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), have also challenged the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional. They argue that their tenure is set to expire in 2025 and claim to have a court order restraining the state government and Assembly from dissolving the democratically elected council executives.
The EFCC’s involvement marks a significant escalation in the dispute between the Edo State Government and the local council chairmen. By summoning the chairmen for financial interrogation, the anti-graft agency seeks to clarify the allegations of financial mismanagement and ensure accountability in public office.
However, the situation has also raised concerns about the balance between state oversight and the constitutional autonomy of local governments. As events unfold, the outcome of this investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for governance and the rule of law in Edo State.
