Kehinde Fajobi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has directed all 18 local government chairmen in the state to submit their statements of account within 48 hours.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, issued the directive on Tuesday during a meeting at the Government House in Benin City.
He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
The requested statements are to cover the period from September 4, 2023, to date and must be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee via the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Idahosa conveyed the governor’s commitment to collaboration and effective governance.
He said, “The governor is a leader of all of us. Election has come and gone, and we are all one family.
“Mr Governor is committed to transparency and accountability in this government. To aid the work of the Assets Verification Committee, the governor would want you to submit your statement of accounts from September 4, 2023, to date, within the next 48 hours.
“This will enable the committee to perform its duties effectively and efficiently.
“The statement of accounts should be submitted through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to the Assets Verification Committee. The governor thanks you for your time.”
Earlier, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State Chapter, Newman Ugiagbe, led the council chairmen on a courtesy visit to the governor.
Ugiagbe, who also chairs Orhionmwon Local Government Area, pledged the chairmen’s loyalty to Okpebholo’s administration.
He stated, “We are here to congratulate the governor and the deputy on the mandate the Edo people gave them.
“Our doors are open to your instructions, policies, and programmes. We are ready to bring these policies to the grassroots to enable our people to benefit from the dividends of democracy, and we will work to ensure your administration succeeds.”