By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said his administration does not interfere with local government funds, a decision he said will enable the third tier of government to bring development to the grass roots.
The Governor stated this on Friday during the presentation of 17 2025 Model of SUVs to local government council chairmen in the state, a gesture he said is to aid the chairmen in effective service delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Civil Service Secretariat Complex, in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo said Edo State was taken backwards by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki “but today, the narrative has changed and chairmen are now recognized” by his administration.
“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 grass roots. 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,” he said.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. 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 centers, roads are being built along other infrastructural development in the council areas,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top government officials to commission the vehicles at the State Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
