Governor Monday Okpebholo’s determination at asset verification in Edo State has assumed a new dimension. After recovering some state-owned vehicles, the focus in now on local government accounts.
In an apparent move to continue probing his predecessor, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has directed local government chairmen to submit their statements of accounts. The governor gave the directive on Tuesday, with a 48-hour deadline. This order is part of Okpebholo’s broader effort to ensure accountability in the state.
The directive applies to all 18 local government councils in Edo. Chairmen must submit their records to the Assets Verification Committee. The statements should cover accounts from September 4, 2023, to the present. The submission deadline is in 48 hours, or two days.
The Governor has reportedly been committed to improving transparency since taking office. The establishment of the Assets Verification Committee is part of this strategy. The committee will assess all local government accounts to ensure proper use of public funds. The Governor is serious about rooting out corruption and mismanagement at all levels, officials said.
He ordered the statement of accounts sent through the Secretary to the State Government’s office. The submission will allow the committee to begin its review process. Okpebholo’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, emphasized that the goal is to ensure efficient governance.
State vehicle recovery and asset verification
The directive was issued when the chairmen paid the governor a courtesy visit. Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa represented his boss. He reassured the chairmen that they would work closely with the state government. He also said the governor is committed to ensuring that local governments contribute to state development.
The Governor has also ordered intensification of efforts to recovery of state-owned vehicles. This effort aligns with the ongoing asset verification process. The recovery of misappropriated vehicles will help restore public assets to the government, an official said.
Okpebholo’s administration aims to reclaim all state vehicles not properly accounted for during the previous administration. These efforts are part of the larger drive to improve resource management across all levels of government.
The directives sparked mixed reactions from political circles. Supporters of Governor Okpebholo welcomed the move as necessary for transparency. The chairmen, led by ALGON Chairman Newman Ugiagbe, pledged their loyalty to the governor.
However, critics from the opposition raised concerns. Some believe the move has a political motivate and meant to discredit the previous administration. They questioned the timing of the asset verification process.
A leading opposition figure, speaking anonymously, said, “This looks like a politically motivated witch hunt.”
Opposition concerns about political motives
Opposition members have accused the Governor of using asset verification as a political tool. Some fear that the government may use the process to settle political scores.
Others in the opposition argue that this is a diversion from more pressing state issues. They question whether the asset verification will result in real accountability or the governor is using it for political advantage.
Despite this, several analysts believe the verification process could help clean up government operations. “This is a step towards greater accountability,” one analyst remarked. “It could restore public confidence in the system.”
Okpebholo has consistently promised to bring greater transparency to Edo State. His administration aims to prevent misuse of public resources. The asset verification and recovery initiatives are key elements of his governance approach.
His supporters say Okpebholo’s focus is on ensuring that officials use state funds to improve the welfare of Edo people. This includes tackling corruption at all levels of government.
Observers say the asset verification process is a vital part of the governor’s transparency agenda. The deadline for submission of statements will test the chairmen’s commitment to compliance. They note that if done correctly, it could be a turning point for governance in Edo.
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