By DADA AYOKHAI
In a decisive move, Monday Okpevbolo has established a 14-member panel, predominantly comprised of APC leaders, specifically tasked with investigating the previous administration of former Gov. Godwin Obaseki.
The Assets and Verification Committee is headed by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a retired permanent secretary and former Edo APC guber aspirant from the Owan region.
Remarkably, this marks the first instance in Edo’s political history where a successor administration has taken the bold step of probing its predecessor.
Critics have raised pointed questions about the motivations driving this decision, suggesting that Sen Adams Oshiomole may be the unseen hand behind the move.
Recall that Sen. Adams Oshiomhole has been a relentless advocate for investigating the Obaseki administration.
At the INEC Certificate of Returns presentation ceremony in September at Abuja, Sen. Oshiomhole did not attempt to conceal his disdain for the former governor.
He boldly asserted, “God has brought him (Okpevbolo) to rescue the people, restore integrity, rebuild our schools, employ teachers so that parents don’t have to contribute to pay teachers
“All the fraud that Obaseki was doing with the so-called World Bank money, and I think the World Bank will want to investigate what he did with that money when you have schools without teachers, you are doing EDO BEST. He left Edo worse”
Moreover, the choice of Dr. Umakhihe as chairman of the assets probing committee has ignited discontent among many, particularly in Owan, who feel that Gov. Okpevbolo is exploiting their kinsman to settle political scores between rivals instead of honouring Owan’s rightful claims to key positions in his administration.
A press statement from Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, confirmed that the committee will be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, at the Government House in Benin, the capital of Edo State.
Other members of the probe panel include Mr Anselm Ojezua, the deputy chairman; Prince Kassim Afegbua; Mr Taiwo Akerele; Hon. Patrick Idiake; and Hon. Razaq Bello-Osagie.
Additionally, the panel comprises Mr. Fredrick Unopah; Mr. Frank Osumuede Edebor, Esq., serving as Secretary; Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon; Pharm. Kenny Okojie; Mrs Lyndsey Tes-Sorae; and Hon. Abbas Braimoh.
The statement read, “In furtherance of the Governor’s initiative to put the State on the path of development and accountability, establishing a State Asset Verification Committee is imperative.
“Despite repeated calls for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration provided only limited and scant information regarding the State’s assets and liabilities.
