Edo State Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo has urged banks to stop granting loans to the state government during the transition period.
He expressed concerns about Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration officials’ alleged looting of government funds and properties and called for investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
It would be recalled that the outgoing Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu had earlier expressed concerns about alleged ongoing looting by Obaseki’s appointees. He warned civil servants and heads of departments to protect government assets.
A 24-member transition committee from the All Progressives Congress, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, has been formed to collaborate with the current government ahead of the handover on November 12. Okpebholo’s statement highlighted reports of widespread looting and emphasized the need for accountability.
He warned banks against any dealings that could harm the state’s finances and called on the Accountant General to maintain integrity. Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Orientation and Information, described Okpebholo’s statement as unfounded and suggested his associates should wait until November 12 to assume governance, insisting there cannot be two governors in Edo State simultaneously.
