Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
This decision comes despite a previous plea from the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje to refrain from probing the previous administration.
According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, the committee’s primary task is to verify the state’s assets and liabilities under the previous administration. The committee, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Government House in Benin City, comprises respected sons and daughters from Edo State.
The members of the committee include Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as Chairman, Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman, and Prince Kassim Afegbua, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Patrick Idiake, and Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie as members. Other members are Mr. Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq who will serve as Secretary, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Hon. Abass Braimoh.
The statement from the governor’s office added, “In furtherance of the Governor’s initiative to set the State on the path of development and accountable leadership, the need to set up a State Assets Verification Committee becomes very imperative.
“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the Assets and Liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led Government came up with very scanty and limited Assets and Liabilities of the State.
“In line with the Governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in Government, and to deepen the governance process, a Committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted.
“The committee will be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024, by 1 pm prompt.”