Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday interrogated at least nine local government chairmen from Edo State over allegations of diverting funds meant for the payment of workers' salaries at the third tier of government.
The chairmen, who were still being questioned at the EFCC’s Benin Directorate office by the commission’s investigative team, are facing allegations following a petition filed by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The petition accuses the chairmen of failing to submit financial records of their respective local governments and misappropriating funds allocated for workers' salaries.
On Tuesday, the Edo State House of Assembly had passed a resolution suspending the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils for two months.
The suspension followed the governor's petition and allegations of insubordination, including the chairmen’s failure to submit the required financial documents.
Sources familiar with the matter told Daily Trust that the nine chairmen are currently in the EFCC’s custody, answering questions about the alleged diversion of funds.
The source added that at least nine more chairmen are expected to report to the Benin office of the EFCC on Friday to explain the non-payment of October and November salaries to local government workers.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the invitation of the chairmen but declined to provide further details. "Yes, they were invited," Oyewale briefly told Daily Trust before ending the conversation.
The investigation into the alleged diversion of salary funds adds another layer to the ongoing political tension in Edo State, where the local government chairmen are facing increasing scrutiny over financial transparency and accountability.
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