Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the autonomy of the local government system in the state, declaring that he does not interfere with council funds.
The governor made this known during the official presentation of 17 brand new 2025 model SUVs to local government chairmen at the State Secretariat in Benin City on Friday.
Governor Okpebholo explained that the policy of non-interference with council finances was aimed at enabling local governments to deliver meaningful development projects to their people at the grassroots.
Edo will witness greater development as we aim to compete with Lagos, Abuja, and other leading states in the country.
Let me be clear these vehicles are not for personal use but for official duties that will enhance service delivery to the people. I will personally monitor your performance to ensure the right thing is done.
I know what the councils are receiving, and we will measure your achievements against those resources. This administration has not and will not interfere with your funds,” the governor stated.
Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lucky Eseigbe, lauded the governor for upholding the independence of the local government system.
He noted that the gesture of providing brand new vehicles would greatly aid the council chairmen in the effective discharge of their duties, adding that the policy of financial autonomy has already started yielding visible results across the state.
This is the first time in the history of Edo State that 2025 model SUVs are being presented to local government chairmen. The vehicles are to enhance their capacity to implement projects across their council areas.
Today, we are witnessing the construction of classrooms, healthcare centres, roads, and other infrastructure projects across the 18 local government areas of the state,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied to the event by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and other senior government officials.
