By DADA AYOKHAI
Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration was recently embroiled in controversy after an advert revoking Presco’s Certificate of Occupancy was published in a national daily, allegedly under his signature. Less than 24 hours later, the state government issued a refutation, claiming the governor hadn’t authorised the advert.
The Edo State government has relieved Mr Tony Ikpasaja, Managing Director of Edo GIS, of his duties, reportedly holding him responsible for the unauthorised revocation of the giant palm oil company’s over 14,000 hectares of land.
This episode marks the second time Mr Ikpasaja has been reprimanded for carrying out unauthorised assignments.
The first controversy took place when he served as Special Adviser to former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor on Communication and Public Affairs, where he got reprimanded for issuing unauthorised statements.
Mr Ikpasaja, as special Adviser to Governor Osunbor, issued a statement linking the disappearance of the then Commissioner for information, late Barrister Calus Enoma, to the opposition Action Congress (AC) Party, including her candidate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
The situation escalated, with the AC gubernatorial candidate threatening legal action against the state government unless Mr Ikpasaja’s statement was withdrawn.
The Commissioner was later found dead, prompting the Osunbor government to apologise to the opposition.
A furious Governor reprimanded Mr Ikpasaja, accusing him of issuing an irresponsible, unauthorised statement, which embarrassed the government.
Tony Ikpasaja: A Name Synonymous with Unauthorised Statements for Governors
