Edo gov presents 17 new SUVs to acting LG bosses who impeached PDP chairmen

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Saturday handed over 17 brand-new 2025-model SUVs to the acting chairmen of 17 out of the 18 state’s local government areas.

The recipients are the leaders of 17 of the 18 legislative councils in Edo State who were elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform but were recently involved in the impeachment of sitting local government chairmen and their deputies under controversial circumstances.

The acting chairmen have since defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Meanwhile, Dr. Tom Obaseki, the Oredo Local Government chairman, who reportedly avoided impeachment, was allegedly dismissed.

A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed that Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and other senior officials were present alongside Governor Okpebholo at the handover ceremony held in Benin City.

READ ALSO:AGF Fagbemi speaks on suspension of Edo LG chairmen

At the event, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to respecting the financial autonomy of local governments, assuring that council funds would remain untouched.

He criticised the previous administration for marginalising the local government system and emphasised his government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment through initiatives such as providing new official vehicles.

“We allowed councils to drive development at the grassroots without constraints,” he said.

Describing the SUV provision as a symbol of progress, the governor expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank God that our chairmen can now ride brand new vehicles,” and noted this milestone as a positive indicator of Edo’s development trajectory.

He also credited the wider transformation in the state to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, adding that Edo is poised to compete with major cities like Lagos and Abuja in terms of advancement.

Okpebholo stressed that the SUVs are strictly for official duties. “The SUVs are not for personal use but strictly for public service,” he warned, adding that monitoring systems would be put in place to ensure accountability.

He further noted that local government performances would be measured by tangible outcomes aligned with their budgets.

Commissioner for Local Government, Lucky Eseigbe, praised Governor Okpebholo for championing accountability and protecting the autonomy of local councils.

He highlighted recent local government achievements, including the construction of new classrooms, roads, and health centres across the state.

“This is the first time in Edo’s history that brand new SUVs 2025 model were purchased for all local government chairmen,” Eseigbe stated.