The committee established by the Edo State government to recover government assets has announced that over 200 vehicles belonging to the state are missing.
The committee’s chairman, Kelly Okungbowa, disclosed this information to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Friday.
He revealed that three of the missing vehicles had been recovered within 24 hours of the committee’s inauguration.
Okungbowa assured the people of Edo State that the committee is committed to retrieving all missing government vehicles.
In one of the recovered vehicles, bags of rice and garri, intended as palliatives from the Federal Government for the state’s residents, were found, according to Okungbowa.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who recently assumed office from the outgoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, inaugurated the committee on Thursday with the aim of reclaiming all government vehicles reported to be in private possession.
“A significant number of vehicles used by the previous administration are unaccounted for, as those holding them have refused to return them. The governor found it necessary to inaugurate this committee today, charging us with the mandate to recover all government vehicles in private custody,” Okungbowa stated at the committee’s inauguration.
“I am the chairman, while my deputy is the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror. Our members are drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State, and we are prepared to carry out this task in full compliance with the law.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have information about anyone still holding government vehicles to inform us so that we can recover these assets for the Edo State Government.
“We have been given two weeks to complete this task. As I speak, we have already received crucial information about certain individuals still in possession of government vehicles. We will execute this assignment in a lawful manner, ensuring the State Government and its people are satisfied.
For information, the public can reach us on 08110165121.”