The Edo APC Transition Committee has recommended a formal inquiry into the financial activities of the outgoing administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Headed by former deputy governor Pius Odubu, the 25-member committee raised concerns over the lack of published or unpublished audited financial statements from the current government.
The committee advised that the incoming administration conduct a comprehensive review of all Memoranda of Understanding related to the management of the Central Hospital and the Stella Obasanjo Hospital under Obaseki’s administration.
Additionally, the committee urged that all local and foreign debts accrued by the outgoing government be accounted for, citing a report from the state’s procurement agency that reportedly implicated the administration.
The committee stated that “all employment carried out in recent past by the outgoing administration be canceled.”
It also recommended an investigation into the ownership of the Ossiomo Power Plant, Radisson Blu Hotel, and the Museum of West Africa Art to determine the state’s equity in these entities, as the outgoing government reportedly failed to provide full disclosure.
Furthermore, the committee called for a thorough review of the World Bank-funded EdoBest program, noting that its operations seemed “opaque.”
It also advised the incoming administration to probe major contracts issued by the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, suggesting that some may not have followed due process, including prepayments made to contractors.
According to the committee, “The procurement agency indicted the government in its own report to the Transition Committee; hence, we have advised the new governor to take a critical review.”
The committee also recommended streamlining the state’s ICT ecosystem, which they described as potentially duplicative in its current structure.
Due to the lack of audited financial statements, the committee suggested that an inquiry be launched to investigate this matter. Additionally, it highlighted concerns over the state’s ability to account for the number of teachers, recommending a formal headcount.
The APC Transition Committee was established on October 14, 2024, with 25 members, chaired by Dr. Odubu, to facilitate a smooth handover between the administrations. After three weeks of meetings, document analysis, and consultations, the committee presented the recommendations above to guide the incoming administration.
