The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has offered a financial reward of N1million to anyone who has information concerning alleged looting of government property by his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu made this disclosure on Friday in a press briefing at Benin City.
He raised alarm over alleged plans by his Obaseki to steal money from the state treasury as his administration winds down.
He added that he had evidence to back the alleged looting in some quarters and last-minute borrowing from financial institutions.
He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to look into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for projects in the ministry of roads and bridges, ongoing Radisson Hotel project and last-minute appointments by the outgoing administration.
Shaibu said,“I have received disturbing reports of banks and other financial institutions, granting last-minute loans to Governor Godwin Obaseki. This is alarming, and not in good faith.
“I am issuing a strong warning to banks and financial institutions: do not grant any loans or issue financial instruments to Governor Obaseki or any official of the state government in whatever capacity or office.
“Also, information at my disposal shows there are last-minute plans to siphon state’s fund using NGOs as a decoy, under the guise of supporting such organizations’ projects and activities.
“These actions undermine our state’s financial stability and potential mortgage of the future of Edo State. I dissociate myself and my office from any such dealings,” he stated.
“I condemn these actions and dissociate myself and my office from any involvement. These appointments have not only undermined the civil service’s integrity but also perpetuated a culture of cronyism.”
“As the Deputy Governor of Edo State, I am inviting the EFCC and ICPC to look into the massive contract fraud that has taken place under the supervision of Engr. Ferguson Enabulele and the entire Government.
“Investigation is equally ongoing to unravel the alleged involvement of some Engineers in the Ministry, who accepted to assist the Permanent Secretary to keep such funds with their registered company accounts with banks and later convert such to US dollars,” Shaibu added.
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