Okpebholo Calls On EFCC To Probe Edo Officials Over Looting
The Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and other security agencies including the Police and DSS to investigate the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
Okpebholo who stated this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbealso, also urged banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.
He further charged the Accountant-General of the State to uphold the integrity of his profession so as to write his name in gold.
The statement read: “With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.
“It is sad that barely one month to the handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.
“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalism of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.
“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them over the past seven years.
“In light of the foregoing, we call on the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, police, and DSS, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable while protecting Government House and offices from vandals.”
It added: “Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that would undermine the finances of the state, especially the granting of loans to the Edo State Government during this transition period.
“The Accountant General of Edo State is hereby advised to uphold the principle of integrity in his duty, as it is the only action that will put his name in gold.
“We want to state unequivocally that there will be dire consequences for any act of impunity and theft committed by any person or institution found wanting in this regard.
“We will continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo will not condone any form of unethical behaviour, as he stresses a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.”
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Gov Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, has advised Okpebholo’s associates to patient till November 12 to commence governance, instead of making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.
Osagie, who described the statement from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, also noted that it was not only incoherent and riddled with fake news, but also contained unfounded conjectures aimed at undermining the government.
He said: “A self-styled special assistant, whom nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.
“Assuming he is truly speaking for the Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he cannot substantiate because they are barefaced lies.
“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudslinging.
“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to arrive before they begin to govern, as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time.”
Didactic Information Hut recalls that Senator Okpebholo had defeated the preferred candidate of Gov Obaseki during the recent governorship election in the Edo State.
