By Damilare Adeleye
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The committee, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Government House in Benin City, will be headed by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as chairman.
Also, Anslem Ojezua will serve as deputy chairman, while Frank Edebor will take on the role of secretary.
The committee comprises additional members including: Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae and Abass Braimoh.
The committee will be inaugurated at 1 pm at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
A statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the development.
He said, “In furtherance of the governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee has become imperative.
“Despite repeated calls for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government provided only scanty and limited information.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in governance, a committee comprising respected sons and daughters of Edo State has been constituted.”