Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has ignited controversy by offering a financial reward of one million naira to anyone who can provide information on the alleged looting of government property as the current administration nears its end.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, Shaibu claimed to have evidence supporting the allegations of looting in some quarters and last-minute borrowing from financial institutions.
He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds designated for projects, including those in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, the ongoing Radisson hotel project, and recent appointments made by the outgoing administration.
He stated, “I have received disturbing reports of banks and other financial institutions granting last-minute loans to Governor Godwin Obaseki. This is alarming, and not in good faith. On that backdrop, I am issuing a strong warning to banks and financial institutions: do not grant any loans or issue financial instruments to Governor Obaseki or any official of the state government in whatever capacity or office.”
Shaibu further alleged that there were schemes to siphon state funds using NGOs as a front, under the pretense of supporting their projects and activities.
He condemned these actions, saying, “These actions undermine our state’s financial stability and have the potential to mortgage the future of Edo State. I dissociate myself and my office from any such dealings.”
Additionally, Shaibu claimed there were reports of last-minute, indiscriminate appointments within the civil and public service at high-grade levels.
“I condemn these actions and dissociate myself and my office from any involvement. These appointments have not only undermined the civil service’s integrity but also perpetuated a culture of cronyism,” he said.
He also alleged that new consultant appointments were being issued and backdated to justify inflated expenditures. Furthermore, Shaibu accused the outgoing administration of looting government properties from various ministries.
“As the Deputy Governor of Edo State, I am inviting the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the massive contract fraud that has occurred under the supervision of Engr. Ferguson Enabulele and the entire government,” he stated.
Shaibu added that an ongoing investigation aims to uncover the involvement of engineers in the ministry who, according to him, assisted the Permanent Secretary by using their company accounts to hold such funds, which were later converted to US dollars.
