By Kolawole Ojebisi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has affirmed that he will keep tabs on developments in all the eighteen (18) local governments areas of the state.
Okpebholo stressed that he knows the amounts entering the coffers of each council and will measure the performances of the LG bosses based on these statutory funds.
The governor made this known on Saturday while presenting new 2025 SUVs to the council chairmen.
According to him, the SUVs will aid effective service delivery, noting that the narrative has changed and chairmen are now recognised by his administration.
The governor also clarified that it does not interfere with local government funds, a decision he said will enable the third tier of government to bring development to the grassroots.
He said, “I want to thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles in the State.
“New things are beginning to happen in Edo State under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Edo will experience more development even as we compete with Lagos, Abuja, and other states of the Federation.
“The vehicles commissioned today are not for the private use of the local government chairmen but for the development of the people at the grassroots. I will monitor you to ensure the right thing is done.
“I know how much you are receiving in the councils, and we will measure your success rate if it is commensurate with what you are receiving. My administration has not interfered with your funds and resources.”
The Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe commended the Governor for not interfering with local government funds.
He noted that the freedom given to the chairmen has resulted in positive developments across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.
“This is the first time in the history of the State that 2025 models of SUV vehicles are purchased for local government chairmen.
“These brand new vehicles presented to local government chairmen are to enable them to carry out their responsibilities
“The 18 local government chairmen are developing the State as blocks of classrooms, healthcare centres, and roads are being built along other infrastructural development in the council areas,” he said.
