Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said his administration does not interfere with local government funds, a decision he said would ensure that the third tier of government brings development to the grassroots.
He said Edo State was taken backwards by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki but the narrative had changed and local government chairmen were being recognised by his administration and new vehicles were given to them to aid effective service delivery.
“I want to thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand new vehicles. 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 people at the grassroots. 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.
The commissioner for local government, community and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Lucky Eseigbe, commended the governor for not interfering with local government funds.
He said the freedom given to the chairmen had resulted in positive development across the 18 local government areas of the state.
“This is the first time in the history of the state that new models of SUV vehicles were purchased for local government chairmen. These brand new vehicles are to enable them to carry out their responsibilities.
“The chairmen are developing the state as blocks of classrooms, healthcare centers and roads are being built along other infrastructure development in the council areas,” he said.
