The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into the transactions, including contracts awarded during the tenure of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. According to sources, Obaseki is currently on the watch list of the anti-graft agency ¹.
The investigation is coming on the heels of Obaseki’s exit from office on November 12, after an eight-year tenure. The former governor had earlier alleged that the EFCC planned to arrest him soon after stepping out of office ².
However, Obaseki has expressed his willingness to submit himself to the EFCC to give an account of his tenure. He stated that he was not scared of a probe by the anti-graft agency ¹.
The EFCC had earlier arrested five Edo government officials who served under Obaseki, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, over huge withdrawals from the state treasury within a short period of time ¹.
Sources within the commission revealed that the bulk of the transactions under Obaseki’s administration had not been directly linked to him. The source added that the investigation was ongoing, with a team of crack investigators assigned to the case ¹.
The EFCC has also placed Obaseki on its watch list, alongside other former governors. According to the commission, this is a standard practice to prevent former governors from leaving the country while under investigation ¹.
Obaseki’s successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the former governor’s tenure ¹.
The committee’s investigation is expected to uncover any irregularities or mismanagement of state assets during Obaseki’s administration ¹.
The EFCC’s investigation and the establishment of the State Assets Verification Committee are seen as a move towards promoting transparency and accountability in governance ¹.
Obaseki had earlier commended the EFCC for its efforts in fighting corruption in the country. He had also sought the commission’s collaboration in introducing a capacity-building program to enlighten civil servants about corruption-related issues ³.
The former governor had described the EFCC’s plan to arrest him as a political witch-hunt ².
The investigation into Obaseki’s administration is ongoing, with the EFCC and the State Assets Verification Committee working to uncover any irregularities or mismanagement of state assets ¹.
In conclusion, the EFCC’s investigation into Obaseki’s administration is a welcome development in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The commission’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance are commendable ¹.
