The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, has condemned the recent arrests of the state’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, and two other officials, suggesting that the detentions are intended to destabilize governance as the administration nears the end of its term.
In a statement released on Saturday, Nehikhare highlighted the potential impact of the detentions on the state’s operations. He warned that, by Monday, the state government could be “grounded and unable to meet up with basic responsibilities and obligations.”
Nehikhare explained that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a letter dated October 28, 2024, summoned four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including Anelu.
Addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, the letter cited an inquiry into loans and agricultural interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) granted to the state since 2018. According to Nehikhare, this facility had already been repaid by the state government.
He continued, “The government officers, including the state accountant, honored the invitation on Thursday at the EFCC’s Benin office to provide necessary answers as required.”
During questioning, however, the EFCC released one official after discovering they were no longer a signatory to the government account, instead requesting the current signatory, who had not been named in the original invitation. This individual, now in EFCC custody, was detained alongside the initially invited officials.
“The EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and acting out a script that portends grave danger to democracy,” Nehikhare asserted. “Contrary to the invitation letter, these civil servants are being detained until November 12, the last day of this government’s tenure.”
He warned that by Monday, the administration may be unable to function effectively, jeopardizing its ability to meet essential responsibilities. “This devious action is most condemnable and reprehensible,” he said.
“We urge the EFCC to act responsibly in the interest of democracy, justice, peace, and the wellbeing of Edo people and to immediately release these government officials to prevent chaos in Edo State.”
Nehikhare further emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency, stating, “The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, runs a transparent and accountable government. This government runs until November 12, 2024. Unconstitutional actions should not be allowed to hinder its operations.”
