Umakhihe Heads Edo State Assets Verification…Obahiagbon, Ojezua Make 14-Man Panel list

By Reporter

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe has been appointed as Chairman of Edo State Asset Verification Panel to investigate the immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Umakhihe, a chartered accountant, is a seasoned administrator that led several public MDAs at the federal government levels. He is expected to bring in his wealth of experience for the advantage of Edo people.

A release by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, listed a former Federal and State legislator, Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon as a member of the 14-man panel.

Obahiagbon was a Chief of Staff to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when he was governor of Edo State. He is a thorough breed lawyer and avowed public officer.

Mr. Anslem Ojezua a seasoned politician, is a lawyer and former State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

The statement reads: “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the constitution of a 14-man State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

“Governor Okpebholo will inaugurate the Committee on Tuesday, the 26th of November, 2024, in Government House, Benin City.

“Members of the Committee include: Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe- Chairman, Anslem Ojezua- Deputy Chairman, Prince Kassim Afegbua- Member, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale- Member, Mr. Taiwo Akerele- Member, Hon. Patrick Idiake- Member, and Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie- Member.

“Others are: Mr. Fredrick Unopah- Member, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq- Secretary, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia- Member, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon- Member, Pharm. Kenny Okojie- Member, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae- Member, and Hon. Abass Braimoh- Member.

“In furtherance of the Governor’s initiative to set the State on the path of development and accountable leadership, the need to set up a State Assets Verification Committee becomes very imperative.

“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 sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted.

“The committee will be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024, by 1pm prompt.”

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