By Calista Oyeoba / Posted November 26, 2024
Governor Monday Okpebholo recently inaugurated the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, ostensibly to assess the administrative legacies of his predecessor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
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The governor’s chief press secretary, Fred Itua, stated that the committee was set up to ensure sincerity, accountability, and accessibility in government, and to deepen the governance process. The committee will be inaugurated today, November 26, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
This 14-member committee, chaired by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, has been tasked with verifying the assets and liabilities of the previous administration under Governor Obaseki. The committee’s composition includes notable figures such as Anslem Ojezua (Deputy Chairman), Frank Edebor as Secretary.
Other members are Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh, who are well known for their expertise and public engagement.
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Among its general terms of reference, the committee seeks to clarify the state’s financial and material standing to ensure accountability. It is also tasked with verifying assets and liabilities in order to streamline government operations and improve policy planning. The initiative according to the CPS, will help to deepen governance and foster public confidence.
However, there are mixed reactions about the move. While many see it as a necessary step to promote transparency and hold previous administration accountable, others mainly from the opposition, view the investigation as a potential political witch hunt, possibly aimed at discrediting Godwin Obaseki’s administration. Expectedly, the critics argue that Governor Okpebholo should prioritize delivering on his campaign promises instead of revisiting past governance.
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According to Barrister Mack Ogbamosa, there’s always perception of political bias when this kind of mechanism is inaugurated. But he stressed that “if managed professionally and transparently, the committee’s work could provide a foundation for improved fiscal management in Edo State.”