The Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, told banks and other financial institutions to avoid approving loans to any government official in the outgoing Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
Okpebholo appealed in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday night.
The warning comes less than one month to the official handover of the baton in the state.
In addition to the advisory issued to financial institutions, the governor-elect also raised the alarm that there are reports of ongoing looting of government assets such as vehicles, furniture and rice palliatives by some unnamed officials in the outgoing administration.
He said, “It is sad that barely one month to handover, the out-going administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.
“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalisation of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.
“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them in the past eight years.”
Okpebholo, therefore, called on the relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, the Department of State Service and the police, to thoroughly probe the allegations and ensure those found culpable are held accountable.
The governor-elect also pleaded that assets in the Government House and offices should be protected from vandals.
He also promised that the incoming administration would continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration.
When contacted for a reaction, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Chris Nehikhare, in a telephone chat, declined to comment on the issue.
He, however, promised that the state government would officially react to the allegations the next day.
“I’ll respond to the allegations on Thursday,” he said.
