Edo Govt Investigate Obaseki Over Alleged Misuse Of N10M For Observers Newspaper.
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin city
The Edo State government has promised to investigate the alleged mismanagement of $10 million by the former Governor of the State, Mr Godwin Obaseki in the failed revamp of the state-owned newspaper, The Nigerian Observer.
Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo made this declaration during an unscheduled visit to the newspaper’s premises, accompanied by top administration officials.
However, he and his team were taken aback that the entire facility was locked, preventing them from verifying the existence of machines reportedly purchased with public funds.
The governor expressed disappointment that despite the significant amount spent on modernising the media house, the premises appeared abandoned, with no signs of activity or staff presence.
Once a vibrant publication, the newspaper was shut down under Obaseki’s administration with the promise of restructuring it to compete with leading national dailies.
Speaking at the visit, Okpebholo expressed his disappointment, “I couldn’t even see a single cleaner or staff member working there. If the place were operational, people would be there, especially given the amount supposedly invested.”
He further promised to return for a thorough inspection, ensuring that Edo taxpayers get answers about their money.
“I need to check the buildings myself and confirm if the machines are actually inside. Right now, I can’t say whether they exist because I couldn’t access the premises. Edo people deserve transparency, and I will get to the bottom of this.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has denied claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo violated Local Government Administration Laws, asserting that all actions taken were in line with the Nigerian Constitution to ensure accountability.
In response to accusations made by PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony Aziegbemi, who called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to halt state allocations, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu stated that the governor had no involvement in the impeachment of local government chairmen.
Ohonbamu explained that under Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, local governments must be run democratically, and the state government is responsible for enacting laws for their proper administration.
He further clarified that the Edo State House of Assembly, not the governor, suspended the local government chairmen after they failed to attempt to provide financial proof as requested.
The commissioner emphasised that the chairmen were impeached by their councillors, who had grown dissatisfied with their leadership, pointing out that the House of Assembly did according to its constitutional power.
He also dismissed allegations that the state government had failed to pay salaries, citing an ongoing court case involving Oredo local government workers against their chairman as evidence of mismanagement at the local level.
Ohonbamu described the PDP’s claims of a constitutional crisis as baseless, stating that the party was attempting to manipulate public sentiment with false accusations against Governor Okpebholo.
He reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to good governance and ensuring accountability in Edo State.
Also, the Edo State Government has denied claims that it has introduced a tax on private schools, calling the reports false and politically motivated, explaining that taxation is a legal matter, and no such law has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Also, the Edo state government also rebutted a false report which claimed that private schools would be required to pay between ₦30,000 and ₦35,000 per student as a tax assessment.
Ohonbamu urged Edo residents to disregard the misinformation, asserting that it was an attempt to undermine the achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“The Edo APC-led government will not tax poverty or impose financial burdens on the underprivileged,” he said.
Ohonbamu pointed out that even the tax reform currently being discussed at the National Assembly is aimed at exempting low-income earners from personal income tax.
He assured the public that Governor Okpebholo is committed to governance that uplifts the people rather than adding to their financial burden.
