The role of government is to inform, lead, and manage public resources with integrity. Unfortunately, recent statements by Governor Okpebholo regarding the financial management of Local Governments (LGs) in Edo State reveal a troubling pattern of misinformation and inconsistency. Initially, the governor claimed that LG Chairmen had misappropriated ₦12 billion, but later revised the figure to ₦83 billion. Such drastic and unsubstantiated shifts in figures expose the lack of credibility in these accusations. The governor’s statements appear more like an exercise in “abracadabra accounting”, where figures change magically with no basis in fact. To be a successful liar, you need a good memory—something evidently missing in this case.

In response to these shifting claims, an independent analysis was conducted to uncover the truth behind the financial management of LGs in Edo State. The findings are clear and factual:

From the total gross receipts allocated to the LGs, several mandatory payments must be deducted, including teachers’ salaries, pension payments, salaries for primary healthcare (PHC) workers, outstanding pension arrears left unpaid by the previous APC administration, contributions to the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EdoHIS) for teachers and LG staff, salaries for Local Government staff, legislative grants and imprest for civil servants, allocations to traditional institutions, and other obligations such as funding for the Local Government Commission, Civil Service Training School, and other administrative functions.

After accounting for these essential expenditures, only about 20% of the gross receipts remained for LGs. This equates to approximately ₦16.6 billion available for Local Government operations since this administration took office.

When the ₦16.6 billion is divided among the 18 Local Governments, each LG received an average of ₦922 million during the period under review.

The reality is simple: the LGs have received far less than what the governor claims. The bulk of the revenue is consumed by necessary and mandatory expenses, leaving only a fraction for the councils to use. Governor Okpebholo’s inflated and inconsistent figures are not only false but also irresponsible, as they attempt to deflect attention from the actual challenges facing LGs due to limited funds.

The facts speak for themselves. Claims of ₦12 billion, then ₦83 billion, and possibly even more in the future, are nothing but fabrications aimed at misleading the public. Effective leadership requires honesty and accountability, not baseless accusations and shifting narratives.

This analysis serves as a reminder that governance is about facts, figures, and transparency—not political grandstanding. The truth is clear: the LGs have operated with minimal resources, and any claim of financial impropriety must be backed by verifiable evidence, not ever-changing figures.

In conclusion, while some may attempt to rewrite reality with falsehoods, the facts will always stand firm. Governor Okpebholo’s claims are not only misleading but also damaging to the credibility of his administration. It is time for responsible leadership grounded in truth, not deceit.