FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Assets Verification Committee yesterday presented its final report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging government to focus on areas where resources had been mismanaged or improperly allocated under the past administration.
The committee also recommended that the state government take immediate steps to review all ongoing and past contracts to ensure transparency and accountability.
It equally identified areas that require urgent attention to include the use of consultants in the supposed management and operations of government businesses by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
Presenting the final report to the governor, Chairman of the committee, Dr Ernest Umakhihe said it was 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 marked the culmination of weeks of diligent work, careful examination, site visitations, interactions with stakeholders and thorough verification carried out by the committee with utmost commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the assets and liabilities of the Edo State government.
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.
Receiving the report, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the committee for a good job.
He praised them 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.
