(SINL NIGERIA) The Edo State Government has given former officials of the previous administration a 72-hour deadline to return all official vehicles in their possession, failure of which will result in arrest, prosecution, and possible jail terms for stealing.
This directive has led to the absence of key figures, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo, former Secretary to Edo State Government Osarodion Ogie, and former Executive Chairman of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency Henry Idogun, from the Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Benin City.
According to Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the Committee set up to recover vehicles belonging to the Edo State Government, the State Government will not relent until it recovers all vehicles stolen by officials, friends, family members, and political associates of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
Ighodalo, who claimed that his mandate was stolen, has allegedly refused to return over 21 vehicles in his custody, despite efforts by the committee to recover them.
Similarly, Idogun has refused to return 11 vehicles and has avoided calls from the committee.
Other former officials who have failed to return government vehicles include: Former Commissioner for Education, Joan Osa-Oviawe, with three government vehicles, Former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoke Omo, with five vehicles Gabriel Obaseki, with two vehicles
John Inegbedion with five vehicles,
Former Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha, with five cars.
The Edo State Government has advised these individuals to return the vehicles, warning of consequences for non-compliance.
