Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed plans to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the financial records of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration. Many see this as proof that Okpebholo hasn’t gotten over Obaseki, despite the Supreme Court victory that confirmed his election.
Okpebholo Targets Obaseki With Fresh Probe
Governor Monday Okpebholo has openly declared his readiness to investigate former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s government.
He made this known during a victory parade at the Edo State Government House in Benin City on Friday.
The governor returned from Abuja after the Supreme Court affirmed his victory at the September 2024 governorship election.
Addressing a crowd of party members, market women, youths, civil servants, and other groups, Okpebholo thanked God for the court victory.
Okpebholo Accuses Obaseki Of Wasteful Spending
During his speech, Okpebholo did not hide his frustration with Obaseki’s administration.
He said his government uncovered questionable payments at EdoGIS, where a consultant was paid ₦6 billion and another ₦2 billion for software.
Okpebholo claimed his government had now developed its own software and dismissed the consultant.
He stated, “I directed the training of our own people who are now handling the job. We have sent the consultant away from the state, saving money to develop Edo State.”
He blamed Obaseki for ignoring qualified civil servants in favour of expensive consultants.
Okpebholo Says Edo Will Feel His Impact In Two Years
Okpebholo promised that by the end of his second year in office, Edo people would clearly see the difference in leadership.
He added, “We are saving money today as a government because we are using the civil servants to do the jobs consultants were formerly doing.”
He again thanked President Bola Tinubu for standing by him throughout the legal battle.
Okpebholo Vows To Probe Obaseki’s Administration
Okpebholo clearly stated that he would open the books of Obaseki’s government to check financial transactions.
He said, “I will open the books to check the financial dealings and how Obaseki governed Edo State in the last eight years.”
He cited an example, saying, “A university in this state received ₦47 million under Obaseki, but a consultant was paid ₦51 million. This was not good enough.”
Okpebholo stressed that he retained most civil servants and permanent secretaries from Obaseki’s administration.
Commission Of Inquiry To Investigate Obaseki’s Years
The governor announced plans to set up a Commission of Inquiry. He declared, “We will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into the books and dealings of the previous administration. We will open interrogation to check their records.”
Okpebholo made it clear that this probe is personal.
“They have finished fighting us, and now I am ready to fight back and ensure that all those that cheated Edo people in the last eight years are all brought to book,” he added.
Bottom Line
At this point, it is clear that Governor Okpebholo is not ready to let Obaseki’s shadow fade away so easily. His words and actions show that this probe is more than just routine governance, it feels personal.
While some supporters may cheer this as a bold move for accountability, others see it as a continuation of the old political rivalry that has defined Edo politics for years.
