By Abiola Olawale
The ongoing clashes between the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and the ruling All progressives party (APC) have intensified as Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has officially announced the constitution of a panel to investigate the immediate past PDP-controlled government in Edo State.
The Governor approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his immediate predecessor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Itua also announced that the committee is expected to be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Government House in Benin City.
The committee will be chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe. Anslem Ojezua will serve as deputy chairman, while Frank Edebor will act as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, and Rasaq Bello-Osagie. Other members are Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
The statement reads in part: “In furtherance of the governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee has become imperative…
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in governance, a committee comprising respected sons and daughters of Edo State has been constituted.”
The New Diplomat reports that this comes after an initial committee set up by the Edo government to recover government assets alleged that some vehicles belonging to the state are missing.
