Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, has announced a N1 million reward for credible information regarding the alleged looting of government assets.
During a press conference in Benin City on Friday, Shaibu revealed that he possesses evidence pointing to the alleged looting activities and last-minute borrowing from financial institutions by certain officials.
He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other pertinent agencies to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for various projects, including those in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges and the ongoing Radisson Hotel project, as well as the recent appointments made by the outgoing administration.
“I have received alarming reports of banks and other financial institutions extending last-minute loans to Governor Godwin Obaseki. This is concerning and raises serious ethical questions. Therefore, I am issuing a stern warning to banks and financial entities to refrain from providing loans or financial instruments to Governor Obaseki or any state government officials in any capacity,” he stated.
Shaibu added that he has information suggesting there are plans to divert state funds by utilizing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a front, under the pretense of supporting their projects and activities.
“These actions threaten the financial stability of our state and could jeopardize the future of Edo State. I want to make it clear that I and my office have no part in such dealings,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he expressed concern over reports of secretive and indiscriminate appointments within the civil and public service, noting the exorbitant grades associated with these appointments.
“I strongly condemn these actions and distance myself and my office from any involvement. These appointments not only compromise the integrity of the civil service but also foster a culture of nepotism,” he remarked.
Shaibu also alleged that consultants have been appointed with backdated engagement dates, purportedly to legitimize excessive expenditures.
