EDO GOVERNOR GIFTS SUVS TO ACTING LG CHAIRMEN AFTER APC DEFECTION. (PHOTOS).

 Edo Governor Gifts SUVs to Acting LG Chairmen After APC Defection

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has gifted brand-new SUVs to 17 acting local government (LG) chairmen, three months after their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The chairmen, originally legislative leaders, assumed their roles following the controversial impeachment of elected council chairmen and deputies in early 2025.

The Edo State House of Assembly, on December 17, 2024, suspended all 18 elected LG chairmen and their deputies for two months, citing “insubordination and gross misconduct.” The suspension stemmed from a petition by Governor Okpebholo, dated November 16, 2024, titled *Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny*. Before the suspension period ended, 17 of the 18 councils’ legislative arms, allegedly backed by the APC-led state government, impeached their elected chairmen and deputies, installing legislative leaders as acting chairmen. These acting chairmen defected to the APC on March 17, 2025.

At a commissioning ceremony for the SUVs, Governor Okpebholo stated that the vehicles were intended to enhance service delivery at the grassroots level. “I thank God for making today possible as chairmen now have the privilege to drive brand-new vehicles in Edo State,” Okpebholo said. “These vehicles are not for private use but for the development of the people. I will monitor you to ensure the right thing is done.” He emphasized that his administration has not interfered with LG funds and vowed to assess the chairmen’s performance based on their allocations.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, described the gesture as historic, noting it was the first time brand-new SUVs were provided to LG chairmen in Edo State. “These vehicles will enable the chairmen to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” Eseigbe said.

The only council spared from the impeachments was Oredo LG, where elected Chairman Tom Obaseki and his deputy remain in office. However, the council’s affairs are currently managed by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.

The SUV presentation has sparked mixed reactions. Critics on X, including users like @EdoWatchdog, have labeled the move a “political reward” for the chairmen’s defection, questioning the timing amid ongoing controversies over the impeachments. Supporters, such as @APCUnity, argue it reflects Okpebholo’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

The state government has pledged further development, with Okpebholo stating, “Edo will compete with Lagos and Abuja as new things begin to happen.” Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.

More photos below.