The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has offered a financial reward of ₦1million to anyone with credible information on the alleged looting of government property.
Speaking in a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, the deputy governor said he has evidence to back the alleged looting in some quarters and last minute borrowing from financial institutions.
He called on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 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.
He 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. Against that backdrop, I am issuing a strong warning to banks and financial institutions not to 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 organisations’ 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 said there were reports of indiscriminate and clandestine appointments into the civil and public service with outrageous grade levels.
“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,” he added.
He also alleged that consultants were being appointed and their date of engagement was backdated, allegedly to justify outrageous expenditures.
