Edo Assets’ Verification Report: Obaseki kicks; Okpebholo vows full implementation

Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past Governor of Edo State has kicked against the assets’ verification report submitted yesterday toholo Governor Monday Okpebholo

Speaking through his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said: ‘’It is filled with deliberate falsehood and malicious data to malign the image of my administration.’’

Osagie said: “It has come to our notice that the Assets’ Verification Committee set up by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led government has completed its report and handed same to the state government. We have been able to decipher some of the points raised in the report, all of which have revealed that the committee was only a witch-hunt set up with an agenda to deliberately falsify facts and malign the good image of the former government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

“Every asset and transaction carried out during the tenure of Obaseki administration is contained, with detailed explanations and data, in the transition committee’s report, which was put together by the Obaseki government and handed over to the Okpebholo-led administration, just before they took over office.

“It is therefore disturbing to find that despite having the facts and data concerning everything the committee set out to verify in the transition document, they have still gone ahead to falsify the facts to malign the image of Obaseki and misinform the public. We calling on the public to disregard the lies and kindly refer to the transition report, which is now a public document.”

Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to implement the findings and recommendations of the Assets Verification Committee, ensuring accountability in the management of government assets and liabilities.

Receiving the committee’s report at Government House, Benin City, Okpebholo commended the members for their dedication and assured them that their recommendations would be acted upon.

“I appreciate the committee for a job well done and the time invested in this exercise. I understand the challenges you faced, yet you successfully carried out this crucial assignment. Rest assured that your findings and recommendations will be implemented appropriately,” the governor stated.

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, called for a probe into all contracts and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, stressing the need for accountability.

He described the report as not just a review of past actions but a call for a new era of financial prudence and responsible asset management in Edo State.

“Our findings mark a pivotal moment for the state, underscoring the need to take stock of our current position and chart a course toward greater accountability,” Umakhihe noted.

According to him, the committee conducted weeks of research, site inspections, and stakeholder engagements to ensure transparency in handling Edo State’s assets and liabilities.

The report provides a detailed breakdown of government assets, outstanding debts, contractual obligations, and financial commitments.

The committee raised concerns over mismanagement, improper allocation of resources, and the misuse of consultants in government operations, which it said created opportunities for corruption and abuse.

“One of the critical aspects of this report is the revelation of significant financial obligations left behind by the previous administration, some of which pose a heavy burden on the state’s fiscal health,” Umakhihe stated.

He further disclosed that the committee uncovered evidence of financial misconduct, mismanagement, and possible corruption, urging relevant authorities to launch further investigations to hold those responsible accountable.

“Prosecuting individuals found culpable will send a strong message that Edo State is committed to integrity and transparency in governance,” he added.

It also suggested re-evaluating government leases and tenancies to guarantee economic fairness.

Additionally, the report advised the government to scrutinize corporate entities suspected of having unclear ownership structures linked to past administrations.

“As we submit this report, we do so with the firm belief that its recommendations will serve as a guide toward a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Edo State,” Umakhihe concluded.