FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has constituted a 14-man State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of immediate-past Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo will inaugurate the committee tomorrow at the Government House, Benin City.
The committee is chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman, while Frank Osumuede Edebor serves as Secretary.
Members include Prince Kassim Afegbua, Mr Fredrick Unopah, Patrick Ikhariale, Mr Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake and Rasaq Bello-Osagie.
Others are Mrs Abdallah Eugenia- Member, Patrick Obahiagbon- Member, Kenny Okojie- Member, Mrs Lyndsey Tes-Sorae- Member and Abass Braimoh- Member.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the need to set up a committee became imperative so as to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership,
“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement said.