Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect of Edo State, has raised concerns over the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
In a statement, Okpebholo called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter.
Okpebholo also warned banks and financial institutions to halt granting loans to the state government during the transition period, citing shady dealings and potential undermining of the state’s finances.
The governor-elect’s special assistant, Godswill Inegbealso, released a statement condemning the alleged looting and vandalism of properties, including vehicles, furniture, and gadgets from government offices and residences.
“The widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City, are shocking,” the statement read. “It is sad that barely one month to the handover, the outgoing administration is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set up a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to meet with the state government committee ahead of the handover on November 12.
However, the Edo State government has dismissed Okpebholo’s allegations as “spurious” and “riddled with fake news.”
Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, promised to respond to the statement on Thursday, while Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to commence governance.
Okpebholo, who won the Edo State gubernatorial election with 291,667 votes, has pledged to tackle corruption and promote economic reform, foreign investment, and infrastructure development.
His transition committee is expected to work closely with the outgoing administration to ensure a smooth handover.
