On Sunday, a group of political leaders and stakeholders in Edo State asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate officials who had served under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration for the last eight years.
The leaders, who came together under the pro-democracy group Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech, are demanding accountability for the alleged mismanagement of over N1.5 trillion in federal allocations, revenues, loans, grants, and other financial incentives.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Patrick Osaigbovo, the Director of Research, Andrew Isewele, and the Director of Mobilisation, Kamaru Momoh, the leaders warned that they would lead a mass protest to the EFCC’s Abuja office if the commission fails to act.
The statement read: “We have watched with dismay, the inhuman looting that has been going on in Edo for years.
“We have enough evidence to assist the EFCC in doing its job. This is to show you how much we care about our State, Edo.”
The call followed the arrest of the Edo State Accountant-General, Julius Anelu and two other officials by the EFCC over the alleged diversion of N26.6 billion derivation funds allocated to the state.
However, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chris Nehikhare remained tight-lipped on the matter.
He said: “We have nothing to say about that. All we know is that the new government is coming in on November 12.”
