Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his intention to probe the administration of his predecessor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
Mr Obaseki governed the state from 2016 to 2024 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in the last gubernatorial election.
Speaking during a victory parade held at the Government House in Benin City on Friday, Governor Okpebholo disclosed plans to constitute a Commission of Inquiry to scrutinise the financial and administrative conduct of the Obaseki-led government.
“I intend to examine the books to assess the financial transactions and governance practices during Obaseki’s eight-year tenure. For instance, while a university in this state received N47 million, a consultant was paid N51 million under that same administration. That is unacceptable. They planned to continue in that direction, but divine intervention stopped them,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo further clarified that, since assuming office, he has retained existing civil servants and continued working with officials from the previous administration, including the Head of Service and numerous Permanent Secretaries.
He also disclosed that individuals who served under Obaseki will be invited to account for their stewardship to the Edo people.
The governor alleged that the PDP and its candidate in the last election, Mr Asue Ighodalo, stockpiled funds for litigation and electoral purposes, suggesting this formed part of a wider concern.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, speaking in support, praised Governor Okpebholo’s role in securing victory for the APC at all legal levels, adding that the focus must now shift towards delivering good governance.
Former Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, also commended the outcome of the election and court rulings, urging all stakeholders to unite behind the new administration, which, according to him, will justify the trust reposed by the people of Edo State.
