Ikpea Admonishes Prospective LG Chairmen on Financial Prudence, Urge Development Focus

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has urged chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming July 11 local government election to take full advantage of the autonomy now enjoyed by local government councils to accelerate grassroots development across Edo State.

Speaking at the APC Edo Central Senatorial District campaign flag-off, Senator Ikpea emphasized the importance of prudent management of public funds, warning that financial mismanagement could attract the attention of anti-corruption agencies.

He reminded the candidates that although local governments now enjoy financial autonomy, council chairmen do not have constitutional immunity and may be investigated while in office.
“Once you are elected, be prudent in the management of public resources. The money entrusted to your councils is meant for the development of your local government, not for personal enrichment. If you misuse public funds, agencies like the EFCC have the constitutional responsibility to investigate you,” he said.

The senator commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Edo State and urged the prospective council chairmen to replicate the governor’s people-oriented programmes in their respective local government areas.

Speaking on his legislative responsibilities, Ikpea pledged to facilitate the implementation of development initiatives discussed with Governor Okpebholo before his election to the Senate, while also pursuing additional projects for Edo Central.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, he said he would intensify campaigns against drug and substance abuse, alongside youth empowerment and job creation programmes, to complement the state government’s efforts.

Expressing confidence in the APC’s chances in the forthcoming local government election, Ikpea said Governor Okpebholo’s performance had positioned the party for victory. He urged party members to take the administration’s achievements to the grassroots and mobilise support for APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the five local government areas of Edo Central and the rest of the state.