A 12-member committee has been established by Governor Monday Okpebholo to recover vehicles belonging to the Edo State Government allegedly retained by the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his aides.
Governor Okpebholo announced this initiative on Thursday in Benin City during the inauguration of the committee, which is chaired by Kelly Okungbowa.
He directed the team to ensure that all government-owned vehicles in private hands are retrieved and returned to the state government within two weeks.
The committee is expected to work diligently to deliver on its mandate within the stipulated timeframe.
Chairman Kelly Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the task to the team.
He assured the public of the committee's commitment to recovering the missing vehicles, many of which are said to remain unlawfully in the custody of former officials and other individuals.
"A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing as those in the custody of the vehicles have refused to return them," Okungbowa stated during the inauguration.
He explained that the governor’s decision to establish the committee reflects the administration's determination to enforce accountability and ensure that state resources are used for public benefit.
The committee, according to Okungbowa, is composed of representatives from across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
Hon. Victor Edoror, the former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, serves as the vice chairman of the committee.
Okungbowa emphasized that the team would carry out its duties in accordance with the law, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
"We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government," he added.
He also revealed that the committee has already obtained critical information regarding the whereabouts of some of the vehicles.
"We already have some vital information regarding some persons who are still holding government vehicles," he said.
Okungbowa reiterated the team's commitment to executing its duties lawfully, assuring that the recovery process would meet the expectations of the state government and the people of Edo.
The chairman provided a contact number, 08110165121, urging members of the public to come forward with information that could assist in locating the vehicles.
This announcement has sparked reactions among residents and political observers, many of whom see it as a bold move to recover misappropriated state assets.
It remains to be seen how the committee will navigate the potential challenges associated with recovering vehicles from individuals who may resist returning them.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and efficient management of public resources.
The committee’s success will be viewed as a significant step in restoring public trust and ensuring that government assets are not exploited for personal gain.
This development also highlights the broader issue of asset recovery from former public officials, a concern that has been raised in other states across Nigeria.
For now, all eyes are on the Okungbowa-led team as they work to meet their two-week deadline.
The task force’s efforts are expected to provide clarity on the extent of the misuse of government resources during the previous administration and set a precedent for future transitions in Edo State.
In his closing remarks during the inauguration, Okungbowa reassured the people of Edo State that the committee’s work would reflect the principles of transparency, legality, and accountability.
As the committee begins its task, the public has been encouraged to support its efforts by providing timely and accurate information that could facilitate the recovery process.
The next two weeks promise to be a critical period for the state as the task force embarks on its mission to reclaim assets and reinforce the importance of accountability in governance.
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