December 19, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned the suspended chairmen of the 18 local government areas in Edo State to appear at its Benin City office for questioning.
The invitation, dated December 17, was contained in a letter signed by the EFCC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol. The letter, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, was also copied to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the directive, nine council chairmen from Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local governments are to report to the EFCC office on Thursday, December 19.
The remaining nine chairmen, including those from Igueben, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode, are scheduled to appear on Friday, December 20.
In line with Section 38(1) and (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, the anti-graft agency directed the council chairmen to present certified true copies of the following documents, comprehensive staff strength and payroll records, details of accounts where funds for staff salaries are received and managed, records of accounts for salary exigencies and statements of account for the aforementioned accounts from January 1 to date.
THEWILL recalls that on Tuesday, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and their deputies over alleged failure to submit their annual stewardship reports as required by the state government.
In defiance, the suspended council officials have vowed to continue their duties unhindered until their tenure expires in September 2026.
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