Governor-elect Okpebholo Raises Concerns Over Alleged Looting as Transition Nears in Edo State

As the countdown to the handover in Edo State begins, Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo has voiced serious concerns about alleged looting by officials of the outgoing administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

In a statement issued from Abuja on Wednesday, Okpebholo expressed alarm over reports of widespread mismanagement and theft of government funds and property as the administration’s tenure draws to a close.

The Governor-elect claimed that government assets, including vehicles, furniture, and even essential supplies like rice, are being siphoned off by members of the outgoing administration.

Additionally, he accused the Obaseki-led government of securing questionable loans from financial institutions, warning that such actions could jeopardise the State’s financial future.

“It is deeply concerning that, with less than a month to go before the transition, officials are allegedly looting state resources and entering into suspicious financial agreements,” Okpebholo said. “This behaviour is a betrayal of public trust and damages the legacy of governance in Edo State.”

Okpebholo further called on relevant investigative bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to step in and probe the allegations, ensuring that anyone found guilty faces the full weight of the law.

He also cautioned banks and financial institutions against engaging in loan transactions with the state government during the transition period, warning that such deals could undermine Edo’s finances.

“Banks must refrain from lending to the outgoing administration at this critical time. We are putting all financial institutions on notice that any attempt to facilitate harmful deals will not go unpunished,” the Governor-elect added.

In addition, Okpebholo addressed the Accountant General of Edo State, urging him to act with integrity as the transition approaches. He emphasised that any misconduct during this period would have dire consequences.

“The Accountant General is advised to carry out his duties with the highest level of integrity. Any act of impunity or theft will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face serious repercussions,” Okpebholo warned.

With the transition just weeks away, Okpebholo’s statement signals a potential clash between the incoming and outgoing administrations, as he positions himself as a watchdog for Edo State’s finances and governance during this critical period.