Edo Assembly Suspends 18 Local Government Chairmen, Deputies Over Fund Misuse

The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended all elected chairmen and vice-chairmen across the state’s 18 local government areas over allegations of financial misappropriation.

The decision was made during a plenary session on Tuesday following a heated debate among lawmakers. The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is part of efforts to address alleged misuse of council funds and restore accountability in local governance.

Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, emphasized the Assembly’s determination to tackle financial irregularities at the grassroots level. “The Assembly cannot stand idle while the resources meant for development at the local government level are mismanaged. This action is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability,” he stated.

The Assembly further directed the heads of the legislative arms of each local government council to temporarily take charge of administrative duties for the next two months. This decision aims to maintain continuity in governance while investigations into the allegations are conducted.

Although specific details regarding the alleged financial mismanagement were not disclosed, sources within the Assembly suggested that ongoing reports of irregularities in council spending prompted the legislature to take action.

A lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, affirmed the seriousness of the situation: “We have received several petitions and reports indicating that funds are not being used for the purpose they were allocated. The Assembly owes it to the people to act decisively.”