BENIN CITY- The chairman of the newly Inaugurated Assets and Verification Committee, Dr Ernest Afolabi-Umakhihe said the committee will do a thorough job without recourse to intimidation of any official of the past administration that might be invited to appear before the committee to answer questions that would assist the body in discharging its duties.
Dr Umakhihe made the clarification after the inauguration of the committee by the state governor, senator Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin.
Afolabi-Umakhihe explained that part of the responsibilities of the committee would be to confirm the existence, conditions, locations and ownership of all State assets.
He added that Governor Okpebholo set up the committee as part of his resolve to strengthen the fight against corruption.
A statement by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, shortly after the inauguration of the committee, quoted the governor to have said “Prior to my inauguration on the 12th November 2024, I set up the Transition Committee to collate all necessary information for a seamless hand over of Government. That committee, which was headed by Dr. Pius Odubu, had since submitted its report.
“Based on the report, we have found it necessary to set up this committee to establish the true status of our assets as a state.
“This assets verification exercise is therefore a process that will confirm the existence, conditions, locations and ownership of all assets; whether fixed or movable, tangible or intangible.
“We are trusting this 16-member committee to do thorough checks and provide us with an updated record of Edo State assets and property.
“I want to also assure you that this exercise is not intended to witch-hunt anybody but to strengthen the fight against corruption, which is part of my mandate as Governor.
“The assignment we are giving you today is in line with my promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government,” the governor said.
