Oshiomhole Suspends Four Council Chairmen Over Alleged Diversion Of Workers Salaries

By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the suspension of four Council chairmen for allegedly diverting funds meant for payment of two months workers salaries.

The suspension followed a request letter sent to the lawmakers by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, which was signed by Secretary to the State Government SSG, Mr Julius Ihonvbere.

The affected chairmen includes, Mr Emmanuel Momoh, Etsako Central Local Government; Mr Victor Enobakhare, Egor Local Government; Mr Osaro Obazee, Oredo Local Government; and Mr Roland Ibierutonmwen of Orhionmwon Council area.

According to the letter, the four chairmen contravened the Local Government Act by engaging in illegal employment without going through the Local Government Service Commission.

Governor Oshiomhole, stated in the letter that the suspension of the four chairmen was to pave way for investigation into the allegations, adding that a panel of inquiry would be constituted to undertake the assignment.

After reading the letter at the floor of the House during its plenary, the lawmakers unanimously approved the governor’s request.

Speaker of the House, Mr Victor Edoror, had explained that the governor has the power to suspend any erring local government chairman in the state.

He stated that the four chairmen stood suspended for two months in the first instance.

Edoror, also directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to take over the administration of the local governments with immediate effect.