News

Okpebholo’s Probe Committee and the Imperative of Transparency in Edo State,

Published

9 months ago

November 26, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Okpebholo’s Probe Committee and the Imperative of Transparency in Edo State,

By Augustine Osayande

In the ever-evolving discourse on governance and accountability, Edo State finds itself at a critical juncture. It is within this context that I seek to engage stakeholders and citizens alike on the necessity of transparency and responsible leadership.

Let me first extend my heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the sixth democratically elected Governor of Edo State. His leadership represents not only a new administration but also a fresh opportunity to set a standard for integrity and progress.

The announcement of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee by Governor Okpebholo signals an important step in addressing the pressing issues of governance. The committee’s mandate to audit the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, is both timely and essential.

The committee’s inauguration on November 26, 2024, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, will mark the beginning of what promises to be a transformative process.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a figure whose expertise and credibility lend weight to the process, and deputized by Anslem Ojezua, a seasoned professional with deep roots in the state’s political and social fabric.

The committee’s membership reads as a roll call of Edo State’s best minds, including:
Prince Kassim Afegbua, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Patrick Idiake, Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Mr. Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq (Secretary), Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Hon. Abass Braimoh.

These individuals represent a diverse cross-section of expertise, integrity, and commitment, ensuring the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision to establish this committee underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

In a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the committee is described as vital for fostering robust governance processes and addressing gaps left by the previous administration. The Governor has emphasized that the limited records provided by the Obaseki administration make this verification process both urgent and necessary.

This initiative represents a decisive break from past practices. It sets a new standard for governance in Edo State, prioritizing the interests of its people above political convenience or administrative inertia. Central to this committee’s work is the alarming debt profile of Edo State. Under the previous administration, the state’s debt reportedly soared from ₦43 billion in 2016 to over ₦500 billion in 2024.

This staggering increase raises serious questions about financial management, transparency, and the effectiveness of previous developmental initiatives.
Who authorized the ₦30 billion loan for the Benin City Storm Water Drainage Project, which remains incomplete? What became of the ₦14.7 billion World Bank loan for Edo State? How were the ₦11 billion agricultural development loan and other funds utilized? Why was the ₦2.32 billion loan for Edo City Transport Service poorly accounted for? What happened to the ₦34 billion African Development Bank loan for critical water projects like the Ojirami Dam and Ugboha Water Works?

The absence of tangible developmental outcomes despite massive borrowing has eroded public trust and cast a shadow over the state’s financial future. These questions are not merely about assigning blame—they are a call for justice and a demand for lessons to prevent such fiscal mismanagement in the future.

The probe committee’s work must mark the beginning of a new era of accountability in Edo State. By thoroughly investigating the state’s financial history, identifying the individuals and processes responsible for mismanagement, and implementing reforms, the government can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and development-focused administration.

Accountability is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical necessity. Naming and shaming those who recklessly incurred debt or misappropriated funds serves as both a deterrent for future leaders and a reassurance to the public that governance is being taken seriously.

This initiative also presents an opportunity to establish a robust framework for fiscal responsibility:
Preventing reckless borrowing through stricter approval processes and oversight mechanisms. Ensuring proper project implementation and monitoring to avoid abandoned projects and wasted resources. Establishing penalties for financial mismanagement to deter future violations. Such measures will not only address past failings but also create a foundation for sustainable development and financial stability.

The people of Edo State are watching closely. They expect this probe to set a precedent for future administrations, demonstrating that public office is a trust to be honored, not a privilege to be exploited. The journey ahead is challenging, but it is also an opportunity to redefine governance in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, combined with the efforts of the Assets Verification Committee, can usher in an era of transparency, integrity, and accountability. This is a moment for Edo State to rise above past shortcomings and chart a path toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

To achieve these goals, collective effort is essential. Stakeholders, citizens, and public servants must work together to support the committee’s efforts and hold the government accountable for delivering on its promises. Transparency and accountability are not the responsibility of government alone—they are a collective mandate that requires active participation and vigilance from all.

Let this probe committee’s work be the starting point of a transformative journey for Edo State. Together, we can rebuild trust, restore integrity, and ensure that governance truly serves the people. The people of Edo deserve nothing less.
■ Augustine Osayande, PhD contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com

News

Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has congratulated the Vice President Kashim Shettima on his attainment of 59.

In a nicely worded eulogy written by himself, the Governor described Shettima as his mentor who has given him the guidance as he continues to make life comfortable for his people in Borno state.

He commended him for his rare gift of mentorship which he maintains is the hallmark of a forthright leader who means well not only for his people in the north east but the entire Nigeria.

The Governor went on: “On behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Borno State, I extend heartfelt birthday felicitations to His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima as he celebrates his 59th birthday.

“Mr Vice President, sir, your mentorship has shaped countless leaders across Borno, the Northeast, and beyond. Your leadership traits, vision, integrity, and commitment to service have guided us through challenges and inspired our generation to strive for excellence.

“Your humility remains a hallmark of truly great stewardship, reminding us that true leadership serves the people with grace and patience. Your intellectual prowess has consistently informed sound policy, strategic decisions, and thoughtful dialogue that elevates our national discourse.

“Your Excellency, I, the people of Borno, and indeed Nigeria, are immensely proud of the trajectory of your public service. From your formative years in public life as a Commissioner, to your tenure as Governor and later doubling as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, to your time as a Senator, and now in your capacity as Vice President, you have demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the advancement and unity of our country.

“May this birthday be a reflection of the lives you have touched and the enduring impact you continue to have. Wishing you sound health, continued wisdom, and many more years of service and national progress. Once again, Happy Birthday! Your Excellency!”

Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59

News

Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15

By: Zagazola Makama

The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 15 terrorists and destroyed their structures in a precision air interdiction mission at Zuwa, a new hideout in the Sambisa general area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, carried out on Sept. 3 at about 11:50 a.m., followed credible intelligence which tracked terrorists fleeing after sustained ground operations in the Bitta axis in July.

According to competent sources, ISR missions conducted by Grey Raptor platforms established the withdrawal route of the terrorists along a river line extending from Bitta towards Zuwa.

The sources said “Overhead the West of Zuwa, our crew observed active terrorist structures with several fighters wearing ISWAP uniforms. It was evident the location had become a major concentration point.

“Consequently, the air component executed multiple attack passes with precision-guided stores against the identified structures, which were occupied by a large concentration of terrorists,” the sources said.

The sources explained that the strikes achieved their desired effect, as over 15 terrorists were neutralised and the structures destroyed completely.

The sources added that the operation was a direct follow-on to the July 28 encounter with ground troops in Bitta, where several terrorists were dislodged.

The sources reiterated the commitment of the troops of Operation HADIN KAI and its Air Component to sustain close air support, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations in synergy with surface forces until terrorism is completely defeated in the North East.

Recalled that Nigerian military, through Operation Hadin Kai, has intensified its coordinated operations across the North East, targeting remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents still hiding in the Sambisa and Mandara mountains.

Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15

News

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, led a delegation of North East governors to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focused on critical issues affecting the North East, including urgent completion of 17 vital road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.

Other governors in attendance included Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Bala Muhammad of Bauchi, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Agbu Keffas of Taraba.

Delivering his address during the meeting, Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North East Governors Forum, urged the president to complete the ongoing road projects and build critical roads connecting the six states of the zone.

The roads are Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Duguri-Mansur Road (NNPC Project Ongoing), Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Bauchi-Ningi-Nasaru-Babaldo Road and Gombe-Potiskum, Damaturu-Biu Roads.

Others include Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road, Biu-Gombe Road, Ibi-Shamdam Road, Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road and Maiduguri-Ngala-Bama-Banki Roads

Governor Zulum commended the president for the commitment to restoring peace within the northeast, stating, “We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of your predecessor in sustaining the fight against insurgency.

He assured the president of their commitment to his administration’s initiative on training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the insecurity facing the North East.

“We are fully aligning with Mr. President’s good initiative of training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the ugly trend in the forest, thereby reducing the insurgency and promoting agricultural development in alignment with the renewed hope agenda on food security,” Zulum said.

He added, “Mr President, the North East governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.”

Responding, President Tinubu acknowledged the governors’ concerns and assured them of his administration’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the northeast.

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration