Some security experts and analysts see this as a case of “authority stealing.” Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician, coined the term. “Authority stealing” refers to the misuse of public power for personal gain.
Almost 500 government vehicles are missing in Edo State, according to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s office. Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary, revealed this alarming news.
The initial estimate from a recovery committee was 200 missing vehicles. However, recent findings show that the number is far higher, he said. The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, confirmed the higher number.
“It’s been a shocking discovery,” Itua said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics. “The committee has now traced 21 of the vehicles to a senior official from the last administration.”
“From the conversation I had with the chairman of that committee, he said that the initial figure of 200 was understated. That there are almost 500 vehicles that are still missing and as of yesterday,” he added
Missing vehicles linked to former top officials
Itua further explained that officials found some vehicles in the homes of former top officials. These officials were part of Godwin Obaseki’s administration, which ended just weeks ago. The personnel traced some vehicles to a former government official’s residence. “We are working to recover these assets,” Itua said. “They should not be in private hands.”
The committee has managed to recover only about 10 vehicles so far. But the search continues for the rest. However, this investigation is unfolding in a tense political environment. Governor Okpebholo belongs to the APC, while Obaseki’s PDP government has recently ended. The investigation into the missing vehicles is part of a wider probe into Obaseki’s administration.
Critics claim that this probe a political motivate. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki’s media aide, described it as a “smokescreen.” He said the probe was trying to take people’s attention from Okpebholo’s own governance challenges. “Okpebholo is unprepared,” Osagie argued. “He’s using the probe to cover up his failures.”
A pattern of mismanagement and “authority stealing”
Some security experts and analysts see this as a case of “authority stealing.” Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician, coined the term. “Authority stealing” refers to the misuse of public power for personal gain.
The missing vehicles exemplify the misuse of state resources. Property management experts agree that these vehicles should have been tracked properly. “Government assets are meant for public service, not personal use,” said Bola Akin, a property consultant.
Yet, the timing of this revelation raises questions. The Edo government has only just set up a committee for the investigation. Some believe the announcement is politically motivated. The APC may be using the probe to discredit Obaseki’s PDP-led administration.
“This is an attempt to frame the past government as corrupt,” said political analyst John Ekanem. “It’s a common tactic to distract from current failures.”
Asset management and public expectation
This scandal highlights the state’s poor asset management system. Missing vehicles are just one symptom of deeper issues. “This is about systemic inefficiency,” said Akin. “Proper records and checks could have prevented this.”
“The people of Edo State expect more than just investigations. They want effective governance, not political witch hunts. The new government must prove it can manage the state’s assets responsibly”, he added.
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