From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the constitution of a 14-man State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of Godwin Obaseki.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, who announced this in a statement yesterday, said the governor would inaugurate the Committee tomorrow, November 26, in Government House, Benin City.
Members of the Committee include Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe – Chairman, Anslem Ojezua – Deputy Chairman, Prince Kassim Afegbua – member, Patrick Ikhariale – member, Mr. Taiwo Akerele-member, Patrick Idiake – member, and Rasaq Bello-Osagie – member.
Others are Mr. Fredrick Unopah – member, Frank Osumuede Edebor – Secretary, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia – member, Patrick Obahiagbon – member, Kenny Okojie – member, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae – member, and Abass Braimoh – member.
The statement explained that failure of the former governor’s administration to provide a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the state, despite repeated calls and the need to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, necessitated the setting up of the committee.
“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.
“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state.
“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.
“The committee will be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, tomorrow, November 26, by 1pm prompt,” the statement said.