On Wednesday, Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect of Edo State, addressed growing concerns regarding alleged financial misconduct by the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki. In a statement made by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbealso, Okpebholo called for banks to cease granting loans to the Edo State government during the transition period, raising alarms over what he described as rampant looting of government funds and properties. This announcement came in the wake of the All Progressives Congress establishing a 24-member transition committee, headed by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to facilitate discussions with the current government ahead of the planned handover of power scheduled for November 12.
Okpebholo expressed profound shock over reports of extensive looting and vandalism occurring within the state government as the outgoing administration nears its end. He highlighted concerns that, despite being on the verge of handing over power, the Obaseki administration was allegedly engaging in questionable financial dealings by securing loans under dubious circumstances. He also detailed incidents of significant looting, including the theft of vehicles, furniture, and other government properties, framing these actions as a breach of public trust and an affront to the citizens of Edo State who had placed faith in their government over the years.
In his call for accountability, Okpebholo urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to thoroughly investigate these allegations of corruption and misconduct. He emphasized a commitment to ensuring those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable, thus underscoring a broader ethos of governance that prioritizes transparency and integrity in governmental operations. As part of this effort, he specifically warned banks and financial institutions against making any agreements that would jeopardize the state’s financial standing during this critical transition phase.
The Accountant General of Edo State was also mentioned in Okpebholo’s statement, with a clarion call for him to adhere to principles of integrity to avoid reputational damage. The Governor-Elect promised stringent repercussions for any acts of corruption, signaling a stringent zero-tolerance policy for unethical conduct. Okpebholo’s initiative to monitor activities leading up to the handover day reflects a proactive stance against the potential misuse of power and state resources, reinforcing his resolve to maintain order and accountability in the state’s governance during this sensitive period.
The response from the current administration came swiftly, with Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, indicating that a formal reaction would be provided on Thursday. The government characterized Okpebholo’s statements as baseless and unfounded, asserting that they were intended to create confusion regarding the state’s leadership. They emphasized that such allegations detract from the legitimacy of the outgoing administration and insisted that there should be no premature governance activities by the incoming administration until the official transition date.
In his rebuttal, Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects, dismissed Okpebholo’s claims as senseless and fabrications designed to discredit the current government. He called out the unsubstantiated nature of the allegations and urged that the incoming officials prepare to assume their roles only after the official transition date of November 12, to dispel any misconceptions about dual leadership. Through these exchanges, a clear divide and tension emerged between the outgoing and incoming administrations, highlighting the political volatility and heightened scrutiny surrounding the governance transition in Edo State.
