The Chairman of Edo State Assets Verification Committee, Mr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has clarified that the panel was not set up to witch hunt anyone, but crucial for a pathway to the government transformation agenda.
He stated that the Committee would ensure accuracy and accountability in the discharge of its mandate, adding, “we will be looking at the budget, who is doing what and in what location?”
Umakhihe disclosed this to journalists at the government shortly after the 14-man committee was inaugurated by the State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
He noted: “We are looking into financial and non-financial aspect of the government.”
Also speaking, a member of the Committee, Prince Kassim Afegbua, insisted that the Committee would not be dettered by the opposition party criticism, pointing out that Assets Verification is a global practice.
According to Kassim, “The Committee is made up of people with proven track records in governance, legislature and finance. We are going to interrogate claims and figures.
“The step of our 14 days goverment decision has endeared Edo people to us. Certain persons will be invited to the panel and we will be fair.”
The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led All Progressives Congress (APC) goverment was sworn-in on November 12, following the expiration of ex-governor Godwin Obaseki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.