Leverage Local Govt Autonomy To Deliver Grassroots Development, Ikpea Tells Edo APC Candidates

Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, has urged candidates in the July 11 Edo State local government election to use council autonomy to deliver development at the grassroots.

He warned them against mismanaging public funds, saying elected council chairmen could be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while still in office.

Senator Ikpea gave the advice last Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo Central campaign flag-off for the council election.

“Once you are elected and resume office, you should be prudent. That is really the major thing, be prudent. Once you are prudent and ensure that what comes is not made for your pocket, it is for you to develop your local government then you will be fine because by time you feel it is your money and you do the wrong thing. EFCC is there to invite them.

“You have autonomy now but you do not have immunity like the executive governor.

“Know that as a council chairman you can be invited by EFCC anytime even while in the office. So my advice for you is that you should be very prudent”, he stated.

The lawmaker also urged the candidates to replicate Governor Monday Okpebholo’s developmental strides in their respective councils.

He said he would continue to attract projects to Edo Central and, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, intensify campaigns against drug abuse while promoting youth empowerment and job creation.

Ikpea expressed confidence that the APC would win the July 11 council election, urging party members to campaign on the achievements of the Okpebholo administration.