Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The committee will be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Government House, Benin City. It will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua serving as deputy chairman and Frank Edebor as secretary.
Other members of the panel include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Purpose of the Committee
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, outlined the committee’s objectives.
He said, “In furtherance of the governor’s vision for development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee is critical. Despite multiple requests, the Obaseki administration provided minimal and insufficient information on the state’s assets and liabilities.”
The statement added that the committee was part of Governor Okpebholo’s promise to uphold probity, accountability, and transparency in governance. The panel is composed of prominent Edo citizens to ensure credibility in the process.
The committee’s inauguration is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Context of the Investigation
On November 20, reports emerged indicating that the Edo State government was considering a probe into the previous administration following feedback from permanent secretaries across state ministries.
A government source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Governor Okpebholo had been reviewing these reports to assess the performance of Obaseki’s administration.
The official noted, “The governor is carefully evaluating the findings from various ministries. The outcomes of this review will determine the scope of any investigation into the past administration.”
They added, “Under this administration, the interests of the people will always be the priority.”
