Edo APC Transition Committee Calls for Investigation into Obaseki's Spending

Obaseki's Financial dealings to Face Inquiry, Says Edo APC Transition Committee

“All major contracts issued by the state government under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges should be....”

Edo State's outgoing government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, faces scrutiny as governor-elect Monday Okpebholo's transition committee recommends probes into the state's finances, ownership of key projects, and the World Bank-funded EdoBest programme.

The Edo State APC Transition Committee has recommended a financial probe into the administration of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki. This comes after the committee noted that the outgoing government failed to provide audited financial statements, both published and unpublished.

The transition committee, led by Dr. Pius Odubu, has been working to ensure a seamless transition of power to the incoming administration of Monday Okpebholo, who won the governorship election in September. However, the committee has faced challenges in obtaining necessary documents from the outgoing government.

Some of the key documents requested by the committee include:

Assets and Liabilities: Details of all Edo state assets located outside the state

Financial Reports: Detailed reports of FAAC and IGR from 2020 till date

Derivation Fund: Report of the Derivation Fund to the state from 2020 till date

Contracts and Debt: Details of all maturing legal obligations, contracts, and total indebtedness (local and foreign) from 2020 till date

Annual Financial Audit Reports: All annual financial audit reports published and unpublished from 2020 till date 

The committee has also advised the new administration to review all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the management of the Central Hospital and other facilities by the outgoing government.

It's worth noting that the outgoing government's team has been accused of being evasive and trying to shift focus from the essence of the transition. The APC Transition Committee has reassured that their intention is not to probe or blackmail the outgoing government but to ensure transparency and accountability.

The 25-member committee, led by former Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Odubu, has made some significant recommendations regarding the outgoing Obaseki administration. Specifically, they're calling for a thorough accounting of all local and foreign debts incurred during Obaseki's tenure.

The committee's report also highlights concerns raised by the procurement agency regarding Obaseki's government. Additionally, the committee recommends canceling all recent employments made by the outgoing administration.

The APC established the transition committee in October to ensure a seamless handover. After three weeks of meetings, document analysis, and engagements, the committee presented its findings and recommendations.

The Edo APC Transition Committee has some key recommendations for governor-elect Monday Okpebholo. First, they're urging him to investigate the ownership of three major projects: the Ossiomo Power Plant, Raddisson Blu Hotel, and the Museum of West Africa Arts. The goal is to clarify the state's equity in these companies.

Additionally, the committee wants Okpebholo's administration to conduct a thorough review of the World Bank-funded EdoBest programme. They've raised concerns about the programme's “opaque” operations, suggesting that a probe is necessary to uncover any potential issues.

Recommended Investigations:

Ossiomo Power Plant Ownership: Clarify the state's equity

Raddisson Blu Hotel Ownership: Determine the state's stake

Museum of West Africa Arts Ownership: Establish the state's equity

EdoBest Programme Review: Investigate “opaque” operations

These recommendations are part of the committee's report, presented by Chairman Dr. Pius Odubu, former deputy governor of Edo State. The report aims to ensure a seamless transition and address potential concerns in the outgoing administration's handling of key projects and programmes.

“All major contracts issued by the state government under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges should be reviewed as they appear not to have followed due process including the payment advance awarded to the contractors,” the committee said.

“The procurement agency indicted the government in its own report to the Transition Committee hence we have advised the new Governor to take a critical review.

“The ICT ecosystem should be streamlined as there appears to be duplication of duties.

“The outgoing government didn't provide audited financial statements published or unpublished hence the committee is advising the government to institute an inquiry into this.

“The government couldn't account for the number of teachers in the state hence we demand a proper teacher head count.”

Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo received the committee's report on Monday and vowed to review the recommendations impartially, taking decisive action where necessary.

Okpebholo has vowed to review the recommendations impartially and take decisive action where necessary. The transition committee's report highlights concerns over the outgoing administration's handling of funds, contracts, and projects, including the Ossiomo Power Plant, Raddisson Blu Hotel, and the Museum of West Africa Arts.