Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has established a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
The announcement was made in a statement released by Fred Itua, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, on Sunday in Benin. The committee is scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
The committee will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor serving as Secretary. Other members include Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
According to the statement, the committee’s mandate is to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
“Despite repeated calls for a holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited information,” the statement said.
Governor Okpebholo, fulfilling his campaign promise to promote probity and accountability, has tasked the committee to thoroughly examine the financial and asset records of the state, laying the groundwork for effective governance and sustainable development.
This move is expected to set a precedent for transparent leadership in Edo State.
