Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the establishment of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee tasked with reviewing the assets and liabilities transferred by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.According to a statement from Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the formation of this committee is essential due to the “scanty and limited” information provided by the previous administration during the transition period.
In response, Obaseki’s media aide, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the initiative as a “laughable” and “diversionary” tactic designed to conceal Governor Okpebholo’s alleged unpreparedness for governance.Osagie remarked, “This so-called State Assets Verification Committee is merely another smokescreen in a series of futile probes initiated by a governor demonstrating he is ill-equipped for the duties of leadership.”
“Governor Okpebholo is simply putting on a show to distract the people of Edo from his incompetence. He appears to think that the citizens can be misled by such antics, but he will soon realize that they are wise and discerning.”Osagie characterized Obaseki as “globally acclaimed” for his transparent and accountable governance, accusing Okpebholo of attempting to gain political advantage.
“This administration is struggling and is being manipulated by godfathers seeking revenge after being cut off from the state’s resources during the Obaseki tenure,” he stated.He urged Okpebholo to concentrate on governance and enhancing the lives of the people of Edo instead of squandering state resources on futile investigations that merely veil his incompetence. “The people of Edo are observant, and his brief administration—lasting only until the Peoples Democratic Party reclaims the mandate given to it by Edo voters—will be evaluated not by the noise it generates but by the tangible results it produces.”
In defense of the inquiry, the Edo State All Progressives Congress, represented by its Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, argued that the committee is vital for fostering transparency and effective governance.“The absence of comprehensive information during the transition created a gap that made this review necessary,” Uwadiae-Igbinigie stated. “This government is dedicated to accountability and integrity, and it will use the committee’s findings to inform its decisions.”
The committee, led by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe with Anslem Ojezua serving as deputy chairman, is set to be inaugurated at the Government House in Benin City on Tuesday.The committee is responsible for developing a comprehensive database of the state’s assets and liabilities from the previous administration. Other prominent members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, and Patrick Obahiagbon.The government states that this initiative aligns with Okpebholo’s campaign commitments to promote transparency and enhance governance.
“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering development and accountable leadership in Edo State,” the statement noted. In response to criticism, Okpebholo emphasized his dedication to prioritizing the needs of the Edo people.An anonymous government official indicated that any further actions would be guided by reports from permanent secretaries in various ministries. “The governor is receiving updates to assess the need for further inquiries. The aim is to serve the community and safeguard their interests,” the source explained.