Okpebholo Unveils 14-Man Panel to Investigate Obaseki’s Administration

In a decisive move toward transparent governance, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review the activities and assets of the previous administration, led by Godwin Obaseki. The committee, set to be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the assets and liabilities inherited by the state. According to a statement released on Sunday in Benin by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, this initiative aligns with Okpebholo’s campaign promises of transparency, accountability, and efficient governance.

The committee’s formation underscores Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to setting Edo State on a progressive trajectory by scrutinizing prior administrative activities to ensure responsible management of state resources. “In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, a committee comprising respected sons and daughters of Edo State has been constituted,” the statement read. The committee’s inauguration will take place at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Committee Composition and Key Members

The 14-man panel brings together experienced professionals with deep ties to Edo State, highlighting the administration’s emphasis on local involvement. Dr. Ernest Umakhihe will chair the committee, while Anselm Ojezua has been appointed Deputy Chairman. Other notable members include Frank Edebor, serving as Secretary, along with prominent figures like Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, and Taiwo Akerele. The team also includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.

Each member was selected based on their professional backgrounds and their understanding of the socio-political landscape of Edo State. This panel’s mandate extends beyond asset verification; it will also provide insights on how the state can prevent any mismanagement of public resources in the future. Okpebholo’s administration views this initiative as a critical step in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in the governance of Edo State.

Okpebholo ‘s Reasons Behind the Probe

The decision to constitute the State Assets Verification Committee is rooted in concerns over incomplete asset and liability disclosures from the previous administration. According to the statement from Itua, despite repeated requests, the Obaseki administration reportedly provided “scanty and limited” information regarding the state’s financial situation. This lack of transparency prompted Okpebholo to fulfill his campaign pledge of conducting a thorough audit to clarify Edo State’s financial standing.

The governor’ Okpebholo s office emphasized that this probe is not merely a political exercise but a move toward reforming governance and bolstering public trust. “In furtherance of the governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee has become imperative,” the statement elaborated. The committee’s findings are expected to shape policies that will enhance resource management and service delivery across the state.

Preliminary Reports and Scope of Investigation

The probe into Obaseki’s administration follows preliminary assessments by the state’s permanent secretaries, who briefed Governor Okpebholo on various issues concerning the prior government. Reports from these officials, who reviewed the administrative activities of their respective ministries, are believed to have highlighted areas warranting further investigation. An anonymous government source disclosed that the findings are expected to influence the scope and focus of the committee’s inquiry.

“The governor is reviewing reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries to evaluate the immediate past government. These findings will determine whether to initiate a probe and, if so, the scope of the investigation,” the official stated. With this investigation, Okpebholo’s administration seeks to establish a framework where citizens’ interests are prioritized, ensuring that public resources are managed effectively and equitably