- The Concerned Edo Citizens Forum (CECF) and several individuals have criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive for local government chairmen to submit their financial accounts.
- The directive, which expired on Friday, has been deemed undemocratic and a negation of the basic principles of democracy.
- Critics argue that the governor’s action undermines the independence of local governments and the Supreme Court judgment.
A group of concerned citizens and individuals have condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s call for local government chairmen to submit their financial accounts. The directive, which was given during a courtesy visit by the council chairmen, has been criticized as undemocratic and a negation of the basic principles of democracy.
According to Roy Orhibabor, Coordinator of the Concerned Edo Citizens Forum (CECF), the governor’s action undermines the independence of local governments and the Supreme Court judgment. Orhibabor emphasized that local government chairmen are direct products of the people through democratic endorsement and election, and therefore, the governor’s directive is a threat to democracy.
A political leader in Edo South, who wishes to remain anonymous, also criticized the governor’s action, stating that it is a repetition of the mistake made in Rivers State. The leader warned that if the governor acts unilaterally, it may lead to a similar outcome in Edo State.
Public affairs analyst Mike Ohimai noted that while the governor’s directive may be seen as an attempt to promote transparency and accountability, it is essential to consider the constitutional implications of such a move. Ohimai emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution recognizes local governments as the third tier of government, granting them a degree of autonomy and protecting them from direct state government control.
