The Edo State Joint Transition Committee’s meeting faced delays on Tuesday due to disagreements regarding important documentation needed for the session. The committee comprises members from the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the incoming team led by Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo.
Last week, during the opening session, the Secretary to the State Government highlighted Governor Obaseki’s commitment to maintaining clear financial records and pledged to provide both digital and physical copies of all relevant documents to the transition committee led by Dr. Pius Odubu.
However, the follow-up meeting on Tuesday saw a limited turnout from government committee staff, with members of the APC noticeably absent. Patrick Ikhariale, Secretary of the APC transition committee, explained that the absence stemmed from their request for advance copies of necessary documents 24 hours prior to any meeting. He noted that the materials provided by the Obaseki administration did not align with their requirements.
Ikhariale stated, “There have been communications demanding that we receive relevant documentation in advance. Unfortunately, the documents shared thus far fail to meet expectations and do not adequately address our inquiries. We wanted a comprehensive understanding of various issues, particularly concerning expenditures and outstanding projects.”
He emphasized that their requests align with best practices and involved specific areas such as financial reporting and project accountability. “What we have received primarily highlights the achievements of the outgoing administration rather than addressing the inquiries we raised,” he added.
Ikhariale confirmed that a letter would be sent to formally request the missing documentation to facilitate the resumption of their meetings.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, stated that the inquiries from the APC were beyond the purpose of the transition committee, which is to provide a clear account of the outgoing government’s activities. Nehikhare asserted that the transition committee’s role is to present what has been accomplished and what remains to be completed, with some details included in the governor’s handover notes.
He remarked, “While they accuse us of merely highlighting our achievements, they are the very people who previously claimed that the Obaseki administration was ineffective. Our role is straightforward: to transmit all relevant records and activities conducted during our tenure, along with future obligations.”
