The Edo State government has uncovered diverted palliatives in three vehicles recovered by a committee tasked with reclaiming state-owned vehicles taken by former officials during ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Kelly Okungbowa, chairman of the recovery committee, revealed the discovery while addressing journalists in Benin City on Friday. The committee, formed just a day earlier by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has two weeks to recover over 200 missing government vehicles.
Within 24 hours, the committee successfully retrieved one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, with palliatives, including 10kg and 25kg bags of garri and rice, found stored in one of the buses.
“These vehicles were recovered from one person’s house,” Okungbowa stated. “Palliatives meant for the people of Edo, such as garri and rice, were discovered inside one of the buses. This is not private property but belongs to Edo citizens, and it’s unacceptable for anyone to divert such resources.”
He urged the public to provide more information on the whereabouts of other missing vehicles, assuring whistleblowers of substantial rewards for accurate and verifiable tips.
“We assure the people of Edo State that we will recover all stolen vehicles and deliver on this mandate,” he said.
The discovery of the palliatives has sparked public outrage, as the items were meant to ease the hardship of citizens but were instead hoarded. The committee’s swift action highlights the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in managing public resources.
Comments are closed.