The Edo State Government has issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum for the return of government vehicles that are allegedly in the possession of former government officials and supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ultimatum was delivered by Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the newly formed Government Assets Recovery Committee, on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo recently set up the committee to recover government assets, including vehicles that are believed to have been improperly taken by private individuals.
Okungbowa revealed this information during a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing the state’s commitment to reclaiming the assets for the benefit of the people.
“We want to use this medium to appeal to those whose names have been mentioned,” Okungbowa said, addressing those in possession of the stolen vehicles. “Please return those vehicles to the authorities, because they are not my property. They belong to the people of Edo State.”
The committee also made shocking revelations about some of the vehicles, which were previously part of the defunct government transport company, Edo Line. According to Okungbowa, these vehicles were allegedly sold and later discovered in a spare parts market in Benin City, Edo’s capital.
“This is a serious matter,” Okungbowa continued. “To buy a brand-new Hilux, it costs nothing less than N120 million. Where are they expecting the governor to find that kind of money to buy new vehicles?”
The discovery of the vehicles in the spare parts market was a significant turn in the investigation. Okungbowa revealed that his team found about 12 vehicles at Uwelo Spareparts, with six in working condition and the others beyond repair.
Governor Okpebholo had previously campaigned on the promise to revamp Edo Line, the state-owned transport company. However, during his campaign, he discovered that the fleet of vehicles that once belonged to Edo Line was mysteriously missing.
“We received information that these vehicles were taken and sold,” Okungbowa said. “After our investigation, we found the vehicles in the spare parts market.”
In response, Okpebholo has directed that recovered vehicles be reassigned to relevant government agencies.
“We are not here to witch-hunt anybody,” Okungbowa stated, clarifying that the committee’s actions were not driven by political motives. “We are doing our job according to the law.”
The Edo State Government’s investigation has also uncovered that some vehicles were taken to other states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Abeokuta.
Despite these revelations, the committee has chosen to issue a final warning. Okungbowa emphasized, “We are giving them another 72 hours to return the vehicles. If they fail to do so, we will take the necessary action.”
The ultimatum has raised tensions in Edo’s political landscape, with many wondering what actions the state government will take if the vehicles are not returned.
The incident has sparked debate about the management of government assets and the accountability of past administrations.
The Edo Government’s recovery efforts are seen as part of a broader initiative to curb corruption and misuse of public resources. With only 72 hours left, all eyes are on the government to see if the vehicles will be returned or if more drastic measures will be taken.
As the clock ticks down, the people of Edo State await the resolution of this high-stakes battle for their assets.
“The vehicles belong to the people,” Okungbowa concluded. “We will do everything in our power to recover them.”