Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused the outgoing administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, of engaging in last-minute borrowing and looting of government assets. Okpebholo alleged that government officials were involved in taking unscrupulous loans and looting public properties, including vehicles, furniture, and rice.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Okpebholo called on law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the claims. He expressed concern over reports of widespread looting of funds and properties from the Government House in Benin City.
“With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting by officials of the outgoing administration from Government House, Benin City,” Okpebholo said. “It is disheartening that, with barely a month to hand over, the Obaseki-led administration is allegedly still obtaining loans under questionable circumstances.”
He further claimed that public properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, and even household items like carpets, have been looted from government offices and residences. Okpebholo described this behavior as undermining public trust and called for accountability.
“I urge the EFCC, Police, and DSS to investigate these allegations thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable,” the governor-elect said. “We also caution banks and other financial institutions against engaging in any financial dealings with the current administration during this transitional period.”
Okpebholo also advised the Accountant General of Edo State to maintain integrity, warning that there would be serious consequences for any individual or institution found guilty of financial misconduct or looting.
The governor-elect emphasized that his administration would closely monitor the situation until the handover on November 12. He highlighted the call made by reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, urging heads of government agencies to prevent political appointees from looting state property during the transition.
Okpebholo will officially take office as governor on November 12.