The Edo State Government has set up a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review the assets and liabilities handed over by former Governor Godwin Obaseki. According to a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. The committee was necessary due to the “scanty and limited” information provided by the previous administration during the transition period.
However, Obaseki’s media aide, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the move as a “laughable” and “diversionary” tactic aimed at masking Governor Okpebholo’s alleged lack of readiness to govern. “This so-called State Assets Verification Committee is just another smokescreen in a series of meaningless probes initiated by a governor who has shown he is unprepared for the responsibilities of governance,” Osagie said.
Osagie described Obaseki as “globally acclaimed” for running a transparent and accountable administration. He accused Okpebholo of trying to score political points. “This administration is out of its depth and is being controlled by godfathers seeking vendetta after being denied access to the state’s resources during the Obaseki administration,” Osagie added.
The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the probe, saying it was essential for ensuring transparency and proper governance. “The lack of comprehensive information during the transition created a gap that necessitated this review,” said Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the APC’s Publicity Secretary.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, will be inaugurated at the Government House in Benin City. It is tasked with creating a holistic database of the state’s assets and liabilities under the previous administration.
The committee’s members include notable figures such as Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, and Patrick Obahiagbon. According to the government, the committee aligns with Okpebholo’s campaign promises to ensure transparency and deepen governance.
“This initiative is part of the administration’s efforts to set Edo State on the path of development and accountable leadership,” the government statement read.
Despite the criticism, Okpebholo has reiterated his commitment to putting the interests of the Edo people first. A government official, speaking anonymously, said the governor would base any further actions on reports from permanent secretaries across the ministries.
“The governor is being briefed to determine the extent of any necessary probes. The goal remains to serve the people and protect their interests,” the source said.
The controversy surrounding the probe has sparked debate among Edo State residents, with some supporting the move as a necessary step towards transparency and accountability, while others see it as a political witch-hunt.
