As the current administration in Edo State winds down, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has issued a stern warning to political appointees, urging them to refrain from looting government properties.
Shaibu directed Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the safety of government assets, emphasizing that they will be held accountable for any missing items under their watch.
Speaking in a statement released on October 4, 2024, Shaibu made it clear that political aides, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants, are also set to leave office on November 11.
He urged the responsible authorities to take charge and prevent any attempts to remove or damage state-owned properties.
“The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect government properties. The failure to act means they will be held responsible for accounting for any missing inventories,” Shaibu stated.
He stressed that removing fixed assets and government properties is both criminal and unacceptable.
Shaibu further warned that any Permanent Secretary or head of MDA who fails to safeguard state assets could face serious consequences.
He urged all political appointees to desist from any actions that could put them in legal trouble as the administration transitions out of power.
The Deputy Governor’s statement underscores the importance of ensuring a smooth handover to the incoming administration, which is expected to scrutinize any discrepancies in the state’s assets during the transition period.
