Oshiomhole suspends 4 LG Chairmen for alleged diversion of funds

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has suspended four Local Government Chairmen in the state for non-payment of staff salaries, diversion of funds among others.

As contained in a letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the suspension is to give way to unhindered investigation into several allegations against the Chairmen.

In the letter, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, “I am directed by the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to inform you that in compliance with the relevant sections of the Local Government Act, which mandates consultation with Edo State House of Assembly, the Governor wishes to inform Mr. Speaker and Members of the House that the Local Government Chairmen are hereby suspended from office with effect from today Tuesday October 6, 2015.

“Their suspension which is for two months is to pave the way for unhindered investigation into several allegations against the Chairmen, which includes non-payment of staff salaries without satisfactory explanations, inability to account for Internally Generated Revenue, diversion of funds, failure to follow due process in the award of contracts as well as illegal employment of Senior Officers without going through Local Government Service Commission, which is a violation of laid-down provisions."

The four chairmen are Mr. Emmanuel Momoh, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Enobakhare, Egor Local Government Area, Mr. Osaro Obazee, Oredo Local Government Area and Mr. Roland Ibierutomwen, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.