Due to allegations of financial misconduct, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, has begun looking into 18 Edo State local government chairmen who have been suspended.
According to reports, Director of Investigation Abdulkarim Chukkol signed a letter summoning the beleaguered 18 chairman to be questioned.
The letter was delivered to the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate via ACE II Dare Folarin.
The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, received a copy of the letter, dated December 17, 2024, which was addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.
The letter states that on December 19, 2024, the chairman of Etsako Central, Etsako East, Etsako West, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West is expected to report to the commission.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, other chairmen such as Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode Local Government are expected to report.
The Certified True Copies of the complete staff strength and payroll documentation are asked to accompany the chairmen.
The suspended council chairmen must also provide information on the accounts from which staff salaries are paid.
The statement of accounts for the aforementioned I & Il from January 1, 2024, to the present, the specifics of accounts where money is set aside for staff salary emergencies, and any further data that may support the inquiry are also included.
According to Abdulkarim Chukkol, the request was submitted in accordance with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 Sections 38(1) and (2).
