OKPEBHOLO MOVES TO PROBE OBASEKI’S TENURE, ORDERS PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO EDO FINANCES

Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the financial records and governance of the immediate past administration led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo made this disclosure on Friday, July 11, 2025, during a grand victory parade held at Government House, Benin City, where he addressed party leaders, youths, market women, civil servants, professional bodies, and other groups.

The Governor and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, were warmly received on their return from Abuja following the Supreme Court judgment that upheld their victory at the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

In his address, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to God and the people of Edo State for their support and promised to justify their confidence within the remaining years of his tenure.

He criticised the previous administration, alleging massive financial mismanagement, particularly citing a case at EdoGIS where a consultant was reportedly paid N6 billion and another N2 billion for software development. The Governor revealed that his administration has since disengaged the consultant, developed its own in-house software, and trained civil servants to manage the system a move he said is saving Edo taxpayers significant funds.

“Edo State has some of the best brains in the civil service, but Obaseki preferred to squander public funds on consultants while neglecting our own people,” Governor Okpebholo lamented.

He assured the people that his government would open the books and probe the previous administration’s dealings over the past eight years.

“I will set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate how Obaseki governed this state. We have already uncovered troubling transactions for instance, a university received just N47 million while a consultant was paid N51 million. We will not sweep these matters under the carpet.”

The Governor maintained that he has retained the civil service structure he met on the ground, including the former Head of Service and several Permanent Secretaries, emphasising continuity in governance despite political transitions.

Speaking on the recent Supreme Court victory, Okpebholo accused the opposition of stockpiling funds for electoral malpractice and judicial compromise.

“They kept money for elections and court cases, hoping to buy judges, but God disappointed them. Edo people spoke through their votes, and the courts up to the Supreme Court affirmed our mandate,” he stated.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, visibly elated, praised the Governor for his leadership and vowed that the administration would now channel full attention towards governance and delivering democratic dividends to Edo people.

Also speaking, former Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu congratulated the Governor and the APC family, urging all stakeholders to unite and focus on rebuilding the state.

As part of the planned probe, Governor Okpebholo confirmed that public hearings would be conducted and former officials would be summoned to account for their stewardship.

“Edo was tired of transactional politicians and thieves. Now, the books will be opened, and anyone found wanting will face the law. In two years, the difference in leadership will be clear to all,” he concluded.