The 18 suspended local government chairmen in Edo state have reportedly been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning.
The invitation was issued in a letter dated December 17th from Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Director of Investigation at EFCC, to the Secretary to the State Government.
The invitation, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), instructed the suspended chairmen of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West to appear at the EFCC office on Thursday, December 19.
Also expected to report on the same day are the chairmen of Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local governments.
The remaining chairmen from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode are scheduled to appear on Friday, December 20.
Chukkol’s letter requested that the chairmen bring certified true copies of several documents, including staff strength and payroll details, as well as the accounts where funds are deposited for staff salaries and their respective statements of account from January 1 to the present.
The request was made in accordance with Section 38(1) and (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
It is worth noting that the Edo State House of Assembly had, on December 17, suspended the chairmen and their vice chairmen for alleged misconduct and insubordination after they failed to submit their financial statements as directed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
