Three months after 17 out of 18 legislative leaders, who became acting chairmen of their respective councils, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Monday Okpebholo has presented them with brand new SUVs.
CREEBHILLS recalls that these 17 legislative leaders, reportedly backed by the APC-led government, had impeached their democratically elected council chairmen and deputies.
It is also recalled that on December 17, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all 18 elected local government chairmen and their deputies for two months over allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct.
This action followed a petition submitted to the House by Governor Okpebholo on November 16, 2024, titled ‘Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny’.
Before the suspension period elapsed, the legislative arms of the councils impeached the suspended chairmen and deputies, installing the legislative leaders as acting chairmen. These acting chairmen officially joined the APC on March 17, 2025.
Now, three months later, Governor Okpebholo has rewarded them with new SUVs.
Okpebholo stated that the vehicles are meant to enhance effective service delivery.
“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.
Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, highlighted that this marks the first time in Edo State’s history that brand new SUVs have been provided for local government chairmen. He emphasized that the vehicles are intended to support the chairmen in fulfilling their duties.
CREEBHILLS further reports that Tom Obaseki, the elected chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, and his deputy were the only ones not impeached by their legislative council. Nonetheless, the council is currently being overseen by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.
