The Centre for Good Governance and Public Safety has expressed concern over alleged looting of public assets during the transition from the outgoing Edo State administration to the incoming one.
In a statement issued Tuesday (yesterday, October 29) in Abuja, the group’s chairman, Solomon Igiehon, described the reported thefts as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Igiehon called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to take immediate steps to safeguard public property in Edo State until he officially hands over to his successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on November 12.
“It is vital for Governor Obaseki to ensure the integrity of State’s assets during this transition to show he is not complicit in these alleged acts of looting,” Igiehon stated.
Highlighting recent incidents, Igiehon noted that individuals allegedly removed solar street light poles and panels installed by the Obaseki administration in New Benin, and a 500KVA generator was reportedly taken from the Edo Geographical Information Service along Sapele Road in Benin.
Additionally, a woman was allegedly observed taking items, including new televisions, refrigerators, and a Hilux vehicle from the premises of the Nigerian Observer newspaper at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub.
Igiehon urged Governor Obaseki not to remain passive in the face of these activities and called on the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apprehend those responsible for the thefts.
“The Transition Committee, led by Dr. Pius Odubu, should also file a petition with security agencies, as these items were procured using state resources,” he added.
The chairman encouraged residents to come forward with any information on looted properties to aid in deterring further illegal actions.
Igiehon also criticized Governor Obaseki’s recent request for a supplementary budget, which was submitted just days before the end of his term and subsequently rejected by the State House of Assembly.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku noted that the Assembly had already approved three supplementary budgets since January 2024, including a N450 billion package in September, around the time of the gubernatorial election.
Obaseki claimed the latest budget request was aimed at providing funds to facilitate a smooth transition for the incoming administration. However, Igiehon condemned these frequent budget requests as “an abuse of power,” warning that such actions risk setting a dangerous precedent for fiscal governance in the State.
