Edo State Government has given the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, 48 hours to substantiate the looting and vandalization allegations, that he levelled against the government.
In a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the government also challenged Okpebholo to provide the names of banks from which the government has taken any loans in the last three months according to his allegations or any other evidence to validate his claims.
He said, “The Edo State Government is giving a 48-hour ultimatum to Senator Monday Okpebholo to provide verifiable proof to substantiate his claims that government officials are looting and vandalising assets in the state.
“We are a very serious government and there is no room for such spurious and unfounded allegations which is why we are demanding that Okpebholo and his handlers should within the next 48 hours provide credible and verifiable proof to substantiate their claims.
“Okpehbolo must understand that the business of governance in Edo State is very serious, and the office of Governor is not for palace jesters.
“It is on this ground that we demand that he, within the next 48 hours, provide empirical evidence to substantiate his spurious looting allegations against the state government.
“Otherwise, he must tender an unreserved apology to the State Government.”
On Wednesday, Okpebholo, through his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbealso, raised alarm over the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He called on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.
The governor-elect also called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and the Department of State Security to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
The statement read, “With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.
“It is sad that barely one month to hand over, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.
“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalization of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.”
He added, “Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that will undermine the finances of the state, especially giving out of loans to Edo state government at this period of transition.”
Okpebholo will assume office on November 12 following the handover ceremony.
