The Transition Committee of the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed an investigation into the financial activities of the state under the outgoing leadership of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The committee highlighted that the outgoing government failed to provide either published or unpublished audited financial statements.
Additionally, the committee advised the incoming administration to conduct a comprehensive review of all Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) related to the management of both the Central Hospital and the Stella Obasanjo Hospital established by the outgoing government.
Led by former Deputy Governor Dr. Pius Odubu, the 25-member committee further insisted that the local and foreign debts accumulated during Obaseki’s tenure be thoroughly accounted for, noting that even the procurement agency’s report implicated the government.
It’s important to recall that on October 14, 2024, the APC formed this Transition Committee, comprising 25 members, with Dr. Odubu at the helm, tasked with facilitating a smooth transition with the outgoing government.
After three weeks of meetings, discussions, and document analyses, Odubu presented some recommendations
The committee suggested that all recent employment decisions made by the outgoing administration be rescinded.
The incoming governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was also urged to investigate the actual ownership of the Ossiomo Power Plant, Radisson Blu Hotel, and the Museum of West Africa Arts (MOWAA) to ascertain the state’s equity in these entities, as the previous government provided no clarity on these matters.
Moreover, the committee called for a detailed examination of the World Bank-funded EdoBest program, citing concerns over its “opaque” operations.
“All major contracts awarded by the state government through the Ministry of Roads and Bridges should be scrutinized, as they appear to have bypassed proper procedures, including advance payments to contractors,” the committee stated.
The procurement agency’s report had implicated the outgoing government, prompting the committee to advise the new governor to conduct a critical review.
Additionally, it was recommended that the ICT sector be streamlined due to apparent overlaps in responsibilities.
The outgoing administration’s failure to present audited financial statements, both published and unpublished, led the committee to recommend an inquiry into this oversight.
“The government also could not account for the number of teachers in the state, hence we demand a proper headcount of teachers,” the transition committee asserted.
Upon receiving the report, incoming Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo committed to thoroughly reviewing all recommendations and addressing them fairly and without bias.
