Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has directed the State Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to begin prosecution of council chairmen who were sacked over allegations of corruption.
Mr Obaseki directed their prosecution on Thursday at the swearing-in of a new chairman for Esan West Local Government Area, Ruth Osahon, at Government House, Benin.
“We have seen a trend where a few local council chairmen have not lived up to expectations. As a government that is people-focused and has made a promise to the people, we will not be afraid to make the right decisions where necessary,” he said.
Obaseki urged Mrs Osahon to cooperate with relevant authorities as they carry out investigation into the records of the sacked chairman of the council, Patrick Aguinede.
The governor called on Osahon to ensure the payment of backlog of salary arrears owed the council workers within 12 months.
“Esan West LGA should be able to pay its workforce as it hosts a state university which attracts a lot of business activities. There is no justification for Esan West local council not being able to collect enough revenue to pay salaries and pensions and carry out other activities as a council,” he said.
Osahon assured that she would live up to the expectations.
