Politics
Okpebholo Vows To Implement Assets Verification Committee’s Findings
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured that his administration will implement the findings and recommendations of the Assets Verification Committee, tasked with assessing government assets and liabilities.
Receiving the committee’s report at the Government House in Benin City, Gov Okpebholo commended the team for their dedication and assured them that their recommendations would be acted upon.
He said, “I appreciate the committee for a job well done and the time invested in this exercise. I understand the challenges you faced, yet you successfully carried out this crucial assignment. Rest assured that your findings and recommendations will be implemented appropriately.”
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Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, emphasized that the findings were not just a reflection of past actions but a call to action for the future.
“This report serves as a pivotal moment for Edo State, marking the need to take stock of our current position and chart a course toward greater accountability, financial prudence, and responsible asset management,” Dr. Umakhihe stated.
He noted that the committee’s work involved weeks of diligent research, site inspections, stakeholder engagements, and thorough verification to ensure transparency in handling the state’s assets and liabilities.
The report provides a comprehensive breakdown of Edo State’s assets and liabilities, including outstanding debts, contractual obligations, and financial commitments. Dr. Umakhihe highlighted concerns over mismanagement, improper allocation of resources, and the misuse of consultants in government operations, which created opportunities for corruption and abuse.
“One of the critical aspects of this report is the revelation of significant financial obligations left behind by the previous administration, some of which pose a heavy burden on the state’s fiscal health. These liabilities, including outstanding debts and contracts, require urgent attention and strategic management,” he explained.
The committee recommended a review of certain government contracts and agreements, emphasizing the need to ensure that they align with the best interests of Edo State.
Dr. Umakhihe also revealed that during their investigation, the committee uncovered evidence of financial misconduct, mismanagement, and possible corruption.
“In light of these findings, we strongly recommend that the relevant authorities launch further investigations to hold those responsible accountable. Prosecuting individuals found culpable will send a strong message that Edo State is committed to integrity and transparency in governance,” he stated.
Additionally, the report suggests a re-evaluation of government agreements, leases, and tenancies to ensure fairness and economic advantage for the state. The committee also advised the government to scrutinize corporate entities suspected of having unclear ownership structures linked to past administrations.
“As we submit this report, we do so with the firm belief that its recommendations will serve as a guide toward a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Edo State,” Dr. Umakhihe concluded.
Gov Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issues raised, pledging that his administration would act decisively to strengthen governance and ensure responsible management of state resources.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
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The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
The lingering intra-party crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forced senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, disclosed this in a resignation letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The letter, which was made available to journalists on Thursday, said the decision followed consultations with his political associates and supporters.
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“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my political associates and supporters, I have decided to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” Tambuwal stated.
According to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, lingering disputes and leadership disagreements in the PDP made it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the party.
“The persistent internal crises, leadership disagreements and growing divisions within the party have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership,” he added.
Despite leaving the party, the senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him to serve in different capacities.
“I remain grateful to the party for the platform it provided me to serve Nigeria as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Governor of Sokoto State,” he said.
Tambuwal confirmed that he had joined the ADC alongside his political associates and supporters, describing the move as part of efforts to strengthen democratic values and provide a credible political alternative.
“My decision is guided by the conviction that Nigeria requires a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness and a clear commitment to national development,” he added.
Tambuwal served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 before emerging governor of Sokoto State in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He later defected to the PDP the same year and was re-elected governor in 2019.
After completing his second term in 2023, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent Sokoto South.
His defection to the ADC is expected to alter the political dynamics in Sokoto State, where he remains one of the state’s most influential political figures.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has explained that the persistent crisis and legal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party compelled him to defect to the All Progressives Congress.
The governor’s defection was formally announced on Monday by his deputy, Mani Mummuni, after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Gusau.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the move was described as a necessary step taken in the interest of the state and supported by political stakeholders across Zamfara.
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According to the statement, Governor Lawal had remained committed to the PDP despite the ongoing leadership crisis and had made several efforts to reconcile factions within the party.
However, attempts to achieve peace and unity reportedly failed, leading to prolonged legal battles.
The development followed a judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP challenging an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.
The earlier judgment had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The governor was said to have informed political stakeholders during a series of meetings that he would make a final decision about his political future after the appellate court delivered its ruling.
Following the judgment, Lawal concluded that joining the APC would better position him to continue what he described as the “Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild Mission.”
His defection marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Zamfara State and could influence political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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