Okpebholo alleges looting, seeks EFCC probe of Edo officers

The Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, known as on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state authorities through the transition interval.

He additionally raised issues over the alleged looting of presidency funds and properties by officers of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

In a press release launched by his Particular Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbealso, Okpebholo known as on the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee and the Division of State Companies to research the matter.

On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress arrange a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to fulfill with the state authorities committee forward of the handover on November 12.
The assertion learn: “With nice shock, we remorse the widespread experiences of looting of presidency funds and properties by officers of the outgoing administration from the Authorities Home, Benin Metropolis.

“It’s unhappy that hardly one month to the handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki remains to be allegedly acquiring loans from banks and different monetary establishments below very shady headings.

“We’re additionally conscious of the large looting and vandalism of properties, together with autos, furnishings, devices, family utensils, and even carpets from places of work and residences of the Edo State Authorities.

“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the belief and religion of our residents in these entrusted to serve them over the previous seven years.

“In mild of the foregoing, we name on the related authorities, together with the EFCC, police, and DSS, to research the allegations totally and be certain that these discovered responsible are held accountable whereas defending Authorities Home and places of work from vandals.”

It added: “Banks and different monetary establishments are, by this discover, cautioned to desist from any dealings that may undermine the funds of the state, particularly the granting of loans to the Edo State Authorities throughout this transition interval.

“The Accountant Basic of Edo State is hereby suggested to uphold the precept of integrity in his responsibility, as it’s the solely motion that can put his identify in gold.

“We need to state unequivocally that there might be dire penalties for any act of impunity and theft dedicated by any particular person or establishment discovered wanting on this regard.

“We’ll proceed to watch the state of affairs till the final day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo won’t condone any type of unethical behaviour, as he stresses a zero-tolerance coverage for corruption.”

When contacted, the Commissioner for Orientation and Info, Chris Nehikhare, stated he would reply to the assertion on Thursday.

In the meantime, the federal government has suggested Okpebholo’s associates to attend till November 12 to begin governance, quite than making spurious allegations and claims aimed toward creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

A press release by the Particular Adviser on Media Tasks, Crusoe Osagie, described the assertion from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, noting that it was not solely incoherent and riddled with pretend information, but in addition contained unfounded conjectures aimed toward undermining the federal government.

He stated: “A self-styled particular assistant, whom no one is aware of, issued a press release to create the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

“Assuming he’s actually talking for the Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he can’t substantiate as a result of they’re barefaced lies.

“It’s fairly comprehensible that these parts are angling for jobs, however there have to be some clear-headedness and never this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudslinging.

“The following administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration ought to await this date to reach earlier than they start to control, as there can’t be two governors of Edo State on the identical time.”