Edo Assets Verification Committee Recommends Immediate Probe Of Past Contracts, Ongoing Projects By Past Administration

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Assets Verification Committee today presented its final report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging the government to focus on areas where Government resources have been mismanaged or improperly allocated under the past administration led by Godwin Obaseki.

The committee also recommended that the state government take immediate steps to review all ongoing and past contracts to ensure transparency and accountability.

The committee equally identified areas that required urgent attention to include the use of consultants in the supposed management and operations of government businesses by the Obaseki-led administration.

Presenting the final report to Governor Okpebholo, Chairman Edo State Assets Verification Committee, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe said that the final report is a detailed account of Government’s Assets, Contractual Obligations, along with a comprehensive analysis of the Liabilities that have been accumulated over time.

He noted that the report marks the culmination of weeks of diligent work, careful examination, site visitations, interactions with stakeholders and thorough verification, carried out by the Committee with the utmost commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the Assets and Liabilities of Edo State Government.

According to him, “Our task has not been without challenges, but the Committee was driven by the need to provide Edo State Government with a clear and accurate picture of its financial status as well as the State of its Assets and Liabilities.

“As we submit the final report, we are not merely delivering a document, but the findings and recommendations of a meticulous process aimed at enhancing and protecting the future of our beloved State.

“The Report contains a detailed account of Government’s Assets, Contractual Obligations along with a comprehensive analysis of the Liabilities that have been accumulated over time.

“More importantly, the committee has also identified areas where Government resources have been mismanaged or improperly allocated in addition to the use of Consultants in the supposed management and operations of Government businesses which provided an avenue for abuses, dubious and clandestine activities.

“In these instances, we have recommended course of actions to rectify the situation and ensure that resources are used more effectively for the benefit of the people of Edo State. One of the key aspects of our report is the comprehensive breakdown of the total liabilities of the Edo State Government,” he said.

Umakhihe added that the report is a reflection of the financial obligations that have been left behind by the past administration, some of which may place a heavy burden on the state’s fiscal health.

According to him, these liabilities, which include outstanding debts, contracts, and financial commitments, require urgent attention and strategic management in order for the state to pull through.

Umakhihe, noted that the committee recommended a review of contracts in some cases, adding that the report also highlighted the need to review and, where necessary, re-evaluate government agreements, memorandum of understanding, leases, and tenancy.

“Over time, certain agreements have been executed in ways that do not align with the best interest of the State. The committee strongly recommends that the state government take immediate steps to review all ongoing and past contracts to ensure that they are both fair and advantageous to the people of Edo State.”

In the same vein, the Committee recommends that Government should further investigate some corporate entities, or holdings in the State to ascertain their ownership, particularly those that have generated a lot of suspicion due to perceived level of Edo State Government involvement in their formative years.

He added that during the course of its work, the committee encountered evidence of serious misconduct and actions that are detrimental to the state’s assets and financial health.

“We have identified instances of potential fraud, mismanagement, and corruption. Given the gravity of these findings, we strongly recommend that the relevant authorities take immediate steps to investigate these issues further, with a view to prosecuting the culprits where necessary.

“We believe that bringing those responsible and found culpable for wrongdoing to justice will send a clear message that Edo State is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in Governance,” Umakhihe said.

Receiving the report, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the State Assets Verification Committee for a good job done.

He praised the committee for their commitment and dedication in handling the task as well as coming up with a comprehensive report, which he assured will be looked into.