The Edo State Government has revealed that nearly 500 vehicles belonging to the state remain unaccounted for, according to Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
This figure marks a significant increase from the initial claim of 200 missing vehicles, which had prompted Governor Okpebholo to establish a recovery committee. The committee, chaired by Kelly Okungbowa, has since uncovered further discrepancies.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, Itua stated, “As of this morning, the committee has recovered about 10 vehicles. However, findings indicate that the initial figure of 200 was understated, with nearly 500 vehicles still unaccounted for.”
He further disclosed that 21 of these vehicles had been traced to the residence of a senior official from the previous administration, while another 15 were located in the possession of another former appointee.
The vehicles are believed to have been appropriated during the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose administration ended three weeks ago. Itua emphasized the current administration’s commitment to retrieving the assets through legitimate means, highlighting the pressing need for vehicles within the Okpebholo government.
Governor Okpebholo, who succeeded Obaseki after defeating his preferred candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the September 21 governorship election, has initiated a broader probe into the previous administration. He described the investigation as part of his commitment to “probity, accountability, and transparency in governance.”
However, the probe has sparked criticism from Obaseki’s camp. Crusoe Osagie, a media aide to the former governor, dismissed the investigation as a distraction. “These diversionary probes are nothing but a smokescreen to conceal Governor Okpebholo’s incompetence and lack of preparedness for leadership,” Osagie asserted.
Despite the backlash, Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains resolute, with plans underway to reclaim additional state assets held in private hands.
The ongoing dispute underscores the tense transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations, with both sides trading accusations amid calls for governance that prioritizes the welfare of Edo State residents.
