Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has set up a seven-man panel to investigate the suspended 18 local government chairmen and their deputies.
The move comes after the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the council chairmen and vice chairmen for two months due to allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct.
The panel, headed by Solomon Imohiosen, with Osagie Asabor as secretary, also includes Adaze Andrew Enwanta, Patrick Idiake, Dorine Eduwui, Henry Unoakhe Itseuwa, and Prince Kassim Afegbua as members.
The suspension followed a petition by Governor Okpebholo, accusing the council executives of refusing to submit their financial account statements to the State Asset Verification Committee. The governor had given the chairmen 48 hours to submit the statements, covering the period from September 4, 2023, to the present.
The legislative leaders of the various local governments have been directed to take charge of the councils’ affairs in the interim.