- Safiu Kehinde
Former Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, has accused the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, of giving a relation of his, who he described as his next of kin, N7 billion to buy Prado jeeps for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.
Ogbeide claimed that the Prado jeeps which costs N120 million each was brought for N220 million.
The former Commissioner made the claim in a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, stressing that there was no budgetary allocation and appropiration for the expenses by the Edo House of Assembly.
He alleged that the money was forwarded to Okpebholo’s brother, Godwin Okoduwa, who purchased the vehicles.
Ogbeide further disclosed that another contract of N11.9 billion was awarded for the purchase of Toyota Hiluxes two weeks after without following due process.
“Edo people did you know that a few days after Sen Monday Okpebholo was sworn in, Next of Kin withdrew N7billion and gave to his brother Godwin Okoduwa to buy Prado Land Cruiser SUVs.
“A Prado SUV cost about N120million today but Edo State Government paid N220million each and they are to be distributed to party leaders(the Oshiomole model).
“There was no budgetary allocation for this, there was no appropriation by the House of Assembly, there was no State Tenders board to approve the contract, nobody else bidded for the contract and zero procurement process followed.
“2 weeks after, another contract of N11.9billion was awarded for the purchase of Toyota Hiluxes and due process was not followed.
“Edo has never seen such Financial irresponsibility, Fiscal rascality and squandermania.
“Spend wisely, Next of Kin no dey pity for inheritance.” Ogbeide wrote.