Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

The committee is tasked with reviewing the assets and liabilities handed over by the Obaseki administration, with a view to ensuring transparency, probity, and accountability in governance.

According to Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the committee’s inauguration is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, at 1:00 PM.

The committee will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members include notable Edo State figures such as Prince Kassim Afegbua, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Patrick Idiake, and Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie.

Additional members are Mr. Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq (Secretary), Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Hon. Abass Braimoh.

Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Itua stated “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.”

He noted that despite multiple calls for a comprehensive database of the state’s assets and liabilities during Obaseki’s tenure, only a limited report was provided.

“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,” he added.

The committee’s work is expected to provide a clearer picture of Edo State’s financial and infrastructural status and help the Okpebholo administration set a robust foundation for development.
|SituationReport|