The Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has clarify a misleading publication circulating on social media that inappropriately links him to the recent arrest of Edo State Accountant General, Mr. Julius Anelu, and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a press statement issued by Godswill Inegbe, SA on Media to the Governor-elect, it has been confirmed that this unfounded narrative, filled with assumptions and devoid of factual evidence, originates from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and allies of the outgoing administration under Governor Obaseki.
The publication falsely claims that the Governor-elect utilized the EFCC as a means to intimidate officials from Governor Obaseki’s administration, which is nearing the end of its tenure on November 12. This assertion appears to stem from the PDP’s reaction to their recent electoral defeat, showcasing a level of denial that has prompted illogical and baseless claims against the Governor-elect.
To clarify for the public: the Governor-elect, like all Edo citizens, learned of the arrests through media outlets. Reports indicate that the EFCC’s action aims to prevent any last-minute withdrawals from the state’s accounts.
Additionally, just over a week ago, we alerted both the public and relevant security agencies about ongoing looting of state funds and theft of government assets at the Government House in Benin, as well as across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The EFCC’s recent actions and the apprehension of key officials who sign authorized government transactions underscore the alarming extent of the financial misconduct occurring within the Edo State Government.