Panel Indicts Ex-Gov Obaseki, PDP Leaders Over Alleged ₦96bn Council Fund Mismanagement

A probe panel has indicted former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, along with PDP leaders and local government chairmen, for allegedly mismanaging ₦96 billion in council funds.

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, established an administrative panel of inquiry to examine the financial accounts of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen from September 4, 2023, to November 2024. This investigation has reportedly implicated former State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to reports, a statement released on Sunday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, also allegedly implicated several local government chairmen and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

While presenting the report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Solomon Imohiosen, the chairman of the panel, claimed that they were accused of either mismanaging or diverting N95,080,676,687.86 into private accounts. This amount was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen during the period under review.

Imohiosen mentioned that among the individuals indicted is Newman Ugiagbe, the chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government and also the State chairman of the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON).

The others are Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan.

He claimed that the ALGON chairman, in collaboration with others, used his establishment, Demarriots Hotels Limited, to embezzle Local Government funds.

He additionally claimed that the findings and forensic investigations revealed that the N96 billion was either mismanaged or diverted into private accounts.

He stated that the panel noted N95,080,676,687.86 was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the chairmen of 18 Local Government Areas during the period under investigation. However, these funds were not used prudently as there are no significant projects to justify this expenditure.

The panel uncovered a case of fraudulent redirection of Local Government funds to influential political figures in the state. They found that more than N10,433,658,452.00 billion was illicitly siphoned off under the guise of “Security, Environment and Training.”

The 18 Local Government Area Chairmen funneled funds into the account, using it as a channel to deplete government resources. Subsequently, these monies were transferred to various individuals and companies.

The investigation conducted by the panel revealed substantial irregularities in the financial operations of all 18 Local Government Councils. The report’s recommendations are designed to tackle these problems and enhance transparency and accountability within their finances.

He alleged that the report accused former ALGON chairman Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe of using his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, along with Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan to embezzle Local Government funds.

Imohiosen, however, pointed out that the panel encountered several challenges throughout the assignment. These included delays in financial record submissions by various Local Government Councils and incomplete records being submitted.

He mentioned additional challenges, including intentional obstruction of the investigation by Council personnel. These individuals failed to comply on time and later attempted to impress panel members by bringing large sacks as an afterthought.

In his comments after receiving the committee’s report, Governor Okpebholo pledged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would take legal action against those accused of allegedly embezzling over N95 billion from Local Government funds.

Okpebholo stated he would personally file a petition with the EFCC based on the report’s findings to ensure immediate prosecution. He promised to pursue those implicated in order to recover what they have taken from the people of Edo State.

I appreciate your excellent work on the report. I listened attentively to its presentation and realized that under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, Edo people’s interests were overlooked. Resources meant for the public were diverted for personal advantage.

We are grateful to God for allowing us to transform the narrative in favor of the people of Edo. We also express our gratitude to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; without his support, we wouldn’t be witnessing the level of development currently unfolding in Edo.

Much has transpired. The Peoples Democratic Party misappropriated funds from the Local Governments and took what rightfully belongs to us, yet no measures were taken against them previously. This time, things are different; we will pursue justice and reclaim what was stolen from the people of Edo.

They will be held accountable for their actions. I am personally committed to taking this document to the EFCC and ensuring that justice is served for the injustice against the people of Edo.

In addition to the impeached Local Government Chairmen mentioned in the report, former governor Godwin Obaseki and leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others, were also implicated.

“The era of financial irresponsibility and opacity in public office had ended. ‘Nigerians must begin to hold elected officials accountable,’ he stated, emphasizing that this is the sole path to combat corruption and promote progress.”

recalls that on December 18, 2024, Governor Okpebholo established the Administrative Panel of Enquiry to examine the financial transactions of the recently impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen in Edo State.