The Edo State Government stated on Tuesday that the purpose of the assets verification committee, which was established to ascertain the quantity, type, and condition of the government’s assets that the previous administration had left behind, is not to conduct witch hunts.
This came as Governor Monday Okpebholo emphasized that the committee, which was led by Dr. Ernest Afolabi-Umakhihe, was in accordance with international standards and was not intended to investigate the immediate prior administration.
Okpebholo made this statement during the committee’s inauguration at Government House’s New Exco Chamber, where its chairman, Dr. Ern Afolabi-Umakhihe, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to carrying out its work thoroughly and without using coercion against any former administration officials who might be asked to appear before the committee to respond to questions that would help the body carry out its responsibilities.
According to Afolabi-Umakhihe, the committee’s duties would include verifying the ownership, locations, and existence of all State assets.
The group was established by Governor Okpebholo as part of his determination to bolster the battle against corruption, he continued.
A statement by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, shortly after the inauguration of the committee, quoted the governor to have said “Prior to my inauguration on the 12th November 2024, I set up the Transition Committee to collate all necessary information for a seamless hand over of Government. That committee, which was headed by Dr. Pius Odubu, had since submitted its report.
“Based on the report, we have found it necessary to set up this committee to establish the true status of our assets as a state.
“This assets verification exercise is therefore a process that will confirm the existence, conditions, locations and ownership of all assets; whether fixed or movable, tangible or intangible.
“We are trusting this 16-member committee to do thorough checks and provide us with an updated record of Edo State assets and property.
“I want to also assure you that this exercise is not intended to witch-hunt anybody but to strengthen the fight against corruption, which is part of my mandate as Governor.
“The assignment we are giving you today is in line with my promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government,” the governor said.
