Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has set up a 14-member Asset Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, announced the development in a statement on Sunday, confirming that the committee members would be sworn in on Tuesday.
The move, Itua said, is part of Okpebholo’s commitment to fostering accountability and transparency in governance while steering the state toward sustainable development.
“The decision to establish a State Assets Verification Committee stems from the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government,” the statement read.
Itua also noted that Obaseki’s administration provided limited details about the state’s assets and liabilities despite repeated demands for a comprehensive database.
The committee, comprising prominent individuals from Edo State, includes Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Anslem Ojezua, Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
This probe aligns with Okpebholo’s earlier promise, made during his inaugural address on November 12, to investigate key controversies from Obaseki’s tenure. These include the exclusion of 14 lawmakers from the state assembly in 2019 and alleged irregularities in civil service recruitment between May and November 2024.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing these issues to ensure good governance and accountability in Edo State.
