Ogbemudia’s daughter removed as LG Chairman amid accusations of N1.7bn budget padding
The Legislative arm of Egor Local Government in Edo state, on Wednesday impeached the council Chairman, Ms Eghe Ogbemudia, over alleged padding of the council’s supplementary budget.
Ms Eghe Ogbemudia is the daughter of late former military governor of the state, Samuel Ogbemudia.
The impeachment was consequent upon a vote of no-confidence against the chairman during a session of the legislative arm of the council.
The impeachment sitting was presided over by the Leader of the House and Councilor, representing Ward 3, Mr Godwin Edigin.
Shortly after a roll call of the legislative house, Mrs Stella Ogida (the Councilor representing Ward 2), moved a motion for a no-confidence vote against the chairman over allegations of gross misconduct.
According to her, “This is the 10th month since our inauguration and we, the Councilors of Egor Legislative Arm, do not have offices.
“We have also uncovered the padding of the council’s supplementary budget to the tune of N1.7 billion.
“The chairman did not involve the councilors in the preparation and approval of the council’s supplementary budget.
“After reviewing this and many other acts of gross misconduct, I want to pass a vote of no-confidence on the chairman, Ms Ogbemudia,” she said.
Seconding the motion, Mr Elliot Inneh (Councilor representing Ward 9), said: “We have tried to reach out to the Chairman to no avail.
“Before us today, we have a budget proposal amounting to N6.054bn that was passed through this hallowed chamber.
“To our greatest surprise, we found out that the chairman, in connivance with the erstwhile leader of the House, went behind and (allegedly) padded the budget to the tune of N7.896bn.”
The Leader of the House, Godwin Edigin, called for a voice vote, with the majority of councilors conceding to the motion.
A motion for impeachment was, therefore, moved and passed. Mr Frank Osawe, the Vice Chairman of the council was directed to preside over the affairs of the council.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
