Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has ordered the State Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to commence criminal prosecution against council chairmen who were relieved of their offices over corruption allegations.
The Governor disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, at the swearing-in of a new chairman for Esan West Local Government Area (LGA), Mrs. Ruth Osahon.
Among the affected former Chairmen are Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia (Egor), Patrick Aguinede (Esan West), Mr. Musa Yakubu (Etsako West) and Armiya Momoh (Etsako East).
Obaseki noted that it is disheartening that the council with so much economic activity was among those owing backlog of workers’ salaries.
He said his administration will not turn a blind eye to corrupt practices at the local council level.
The governor urged the newly sworn-in chairman to cooperate with relevant authorities as they carryout investigation into the records of the sacked chairman of the council, Patrick Aguinede.
He charged Mrs. Osahon to ensure payment of backlog of salary arrears owed the council workers within 12 months.
“We have seen a trend where a few local council chairmen have not lived up to expectations. As a government that is people-focused and have made a promise to the people, we will not be afraid to take the right decisions where necessary.
“Esan West LGA should be able to pay its workforce as it hosts a state university, which attracts a lot of business activity. There is no justification why Esan West local council should not be able to collect enough revenue to pay salaries and pensions and carry out other activities as a council,” he said.
Mrs. Osahon expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve, assuring that she will live up to the confidence reposed in her.
