Transition: Okpebholo Alerts EFCC, DSS of Alleged Massive Looting of Treasury, Government Properties

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Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki of piling up debts for the incoming government through last-minute acquisition of more shady loans, as well as wanton looting of government properties and funds.

Okpebholo, who raised the alarm on Wednesday, in a statement signed by his special assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbe, directed banks and financial institutions to stop dealing with the outgoing government, while also calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and the Department of State Services, (DSS) to investigate the allegations of looting.

The state government, however, dismissed the allegations as spurious and wild, and barefaced lies.

The governor-elect’s statement came barely 48 hours after the All-Progressives Congress, (APC) at the prodding of the state government, set up a 24-member transition committee led by former deputy governor, Pius Odubu, to work with the state government towards a seamless change of baton on November 12.

The statement reads, “With a great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.

“It is sad that barely one month to handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.

“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalisation of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.

“This unacceptable behavior undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them in the past seven years. In the light of the forgoing, we call on the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, Police and DSS, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable while protecting Government House and offices from vandals.

“Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that will undermine the finances of the state, especially giving out of loans to Edo state government at this period of transition.

“The Accountant General of Edo State is hereby advised to uphold the principle of integrity in his duty as the only act that will put his name in gold. We want to state unequivocally that there will be dire consequences for any act of impunity and stealing on any person or institution found wanting in this regard. We will continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo will not condone any form of unethical behaviours as he stresses zero-tolerance for corruption”.

But reacting to the allegations, special adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, has advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to begin governance instead of making spurious allegations and claims aimed to create the impression that there were two governors in Edo State.

Osagie, in his statement, said: “A self-styled special assistant who nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there were two governors in Edo State. Assuming he is really speaking for the Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he cannot substantiate because they are barefaced lies.

“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some sort of clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudsling.

“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to come before they begin to govern as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time”.