 gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his supporters to return government vehicles allegedly in their possession.){kind=link}
The Edo State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his supporters to return government vehicles allegedly in their possession.
This was announced on Tuesday by Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the Government Assets Recovery Committee, during a briefing in Benin City.
Okungbowa revealed that several vehicles belonging to the now-defunct Edo Line transport company were illegally removed and some were discovered being sold in a spare parts market in Benin.
“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to those individuals whose names have been mentioned to return the vehicles,” Okungbowa said. “These vehicles belong to the state government and, by extension, the people of Edo. The cost of acquiring new vehicles is astronomical. A brand new Hilux, for example, costs no less than N120 million. Where do they expect the governor to get such funds to purchase replacements?”
He specifically urged the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate to comply with the directive, calling it a matter of leadership responsibility.
Okungbowa disclosed that 12 vehicles had already been recovered from a spare parts market, six of which were still operational while the others were in disrepair. He noted that the recovered vehicles had been reassigned to government agencies as directed by the governor.
“During the governor’s campaign, he promised to revamp Edo Line. However, when we visited, there were no vehicles left. Today, following credible intelligence, we located 12 vehicles at Uwelo Spare Parts Market. Some were movable, while others were not. We have evidence of this discovery.”
While stressing that the committee’s actions are not politically motivated, Okungbowa warned that the government would take necessary measures if the vehicles were not returned within the 72-hour deadline.
“We are not here to witch-hunt anyone. This exercise is in line with the law. We know where many of these vehicles are, including locations in Lagos, Abuja, and Abeokuta. However, we are appealing to those involved to do the right thing and return the vehicles.
“If they fail to comply within the stipulated 72 hours, the government will have no choice but to take appropriate action,” he added.