Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State governor-elect, has decried what he said is massive looting of properties and funds belonging to the state by the officials of the outgoing administration under Godwin Obaseki.
This is as the governor-elect is calling on the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to beam searchlights on the outgoing officials, while also calling on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbealso, Okpebholo called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services to investigate the matter.
On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress set up a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to meet with the state government committee ahead of the handover on November 12.
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.”
When contacted, the Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, said he would respond to the statement on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the government has advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to commence governance, rather than making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the statement from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, noting 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.”
