Transition Committee: We Did Not Stay Away From Sitting, Says Ikhariale

…Says Obaseki’s team hiding vital documents from us

By Simeon OSAJIE

The  Edo State Joint Transition Committee has adjourned sine die following the inability of officials of the out-going government to provide the required documents  germaine to the assignment.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City, Secretary of APC Transition Committee, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, said that both parties have agreed to meet when the required information or documents are given to them.

According to Ikhariale, the issue is that the APC Transition Committee members have had series of discussions with the Transition Committee on the side of the outgoing government.

“Unfortunately, the nature of materials that they have supplied to us do not address any of the issues on the table.

“We have interfaced with the relevant officers of the government including the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, and they agreed with us on October, 2024 to do exactly what we asked for because what they had supplied us at best has not addressed the issue substantially in any form and we have expected by this morning that that will be done.

“We also had a meaningful and strong discussion. We need a set of documents that will address the issues we have raised, and that is where we are.

“We also agreed that today (Tuesday) he (Eboigbe) has to discuss with His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki and get back to us.

“And in any case, the information or documents we’re asking for are in line with global best practices,  we are not asking for anything out of the ordinary. So it is on record that we have done the needful.

“As we speak, a letter has been sent to them and we do hope that what we have discussed and agreed on as at yesterday would be executed for us to progress and have the joint meetings we are supposed to have and that is the position.

“We are waiting for him to reach out to the governor like he said to know the next line of action to take as to how and when they are giving us the needed documents.

“And we have also as a committee said whatever document or information they want to give to us, give it to us at least within 24 hours before the meeting time to enable us look through it, peruse and have an informed position to discuss so that we don’t go there and be discussing in abstract or discussing things that are not relevant to the subject matter of the day. So these I believe we have agreed on, by both sides.

“Hopefully, if today, or tomorrow we get the required information and documents, we will reconvene and do the needful.”