Benin City, 24th November 2024 – In a move that reeks of political vendetta, Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to “investigate” Former Governor Godwin Obaseki. Instead, Meanwhile, while in office, Obaseki focused on the arduous task of governance, a path Okpebholo would do well to follow rather than engaging in witch-hunting.
The committee, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, at the Government House in Benin City, includes Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as Chairman and Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman. Other members are Prince Kassim Afegbua, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Patrick Idiake, Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Mr. Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Hon. Abass Braimoh.
Okpebholo’s administration claims that the committee is essential to set the state on a path of development and accountable leadership. However, this move appears to be more about settling political scores than genuine governance. The Obaseki administration had previously provided a database of the state’s assets and liabilities, which they called “limited”, which raises questions about the true intent behind this new probe.
Godwin Obaseki, during his tenure, chose not to probe his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, even when there were ample legitimate reasons to do so, like the 30 billion fraudulent storm water project. The people of Edo State deserve leaders who prioritize governance over personal vendettas. The elections are over, and it’s time for Okpebholo to concentrate on the difficult job of governance, just as Obaseki did, rather than engaging in divisive and unproductive witch-hunting.
