Posted by By Austin Ogwuda on
Delta State House of Assembly yesterday suspended the Chairman of Patani Local Government Area, Mr. Austin Bebeteidoh, following the outcome of investigations into the alleged act of misappropriation of funds levelled at him by some of his councillors.
Asaba - Delta State House of Assembly yesterday suspended the Chairman of Patani Local Government Area, Mr. Austin Bebeteidoh, following the outcome of investigations into the alleged act of misappropriation of funds levelled at him by some of his councillors.
The suspension, according to the recommendation of a three-man Ad-hoc Committee of the House that probed the financial activities of the chairman, "is for a period of one month and to serve as deterrent to others."
Vanguard's investigation showed that some of the councils in the state had been gripped with crisis, as there had been running battles between the chairmen and their councillors over how to share the spoils of office. Some of the councillors had even gone as far as inviting the men of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to turn their searchlight on the affected councils.
At yesterday's sitting of the House, the Report of the Ad-hoc Probe committee headed by Prince Sam Obi was considered and adopted.
It was agreed that "the chairman of Patani local government council be directed forthwith to stop collecting N300,000 for fueling of two official vehicles and should be directed to collect N150,000 monthly for the fueling of one official car which his office is entitled to.
"That the chairman of Patani local government council be directed to be more prudent with the management of the council's fund."
The petitioners (councillors) during the course of probe submitted 46 evidences which were admitted by the committee as exhibits to wit, payment vouchers for all payments made by the council for jobs and security purportedly done in the council and overdraft which the chairman drew in the name of the council for matters, which are seen to be irrelevant to the council."
The Committee had observed with dismay that the chairman was withdrawing N2.5 million monthly as security vote in violation of the provision of Local Government Law which provides for not more than N250,000.