By Nefishetu Yakubu
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has constituted a 14-man state Asset Verification Committee to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, on Sunday in Benin said the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Itua listed the members to include Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Chairman, Anslem Ojezua, Deputy Chairman, and Frank Edebor, Secretary, while Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, and Taiwo Akerele are members.
Other members are Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
The statement said that the committee became imperative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership.
“Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected persons is to look into the books, ” the statement said