Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has taken a significant step towards ensuring accountability in governance by establishing a 14-member state Assets Verification Committee to examine the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
According to a statement released on Sunday in Benin by Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, the committee’s formal inauguration is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s pursuit of transparent governance.
“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the Assets and Liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state,” Itua stated in the official announcement.
The committee, comprising prominent Edo State citizens, will be led by Ernest Umakhihe as Chairman, with Anslem Ojezua serving as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Notable figures appointed to the committee include former Commissioner for Information Kassim Afegbua, renowned political figure Patrick Obahiagbon, and other distinguished professionals like Patrick Ikhariale and Taiwo Akerele.
Additional members completing the 14-person panel are Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh. This diverse composition reflects the state’s commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation process.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement emphasized.
