In a move raising eyebrows across political circles, the Edo State Government has launched an aggressive effort to recover over 200 vehicles reportedly missing from the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
A 12-member recovery committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa and inaugurated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has already retrieved three vehicles within 24 hours, including a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses.
The recovery exercise has been framed as a quest for accountability and transparency, but critics question whether it doubles as a political maneuver targeting Obaseki’s administration. The presence of palliatives, such as bags of garri and rice, in one of the recovered vehicles, has only added to the intrigue, with accusations surfacing about unshared relief materials meant for Edo residents.
While Okungbowa has assured that the exercise will follow due process, the swift pace and public nature of the recovery efforts have drawn attention. The committee’s call for whistleblowers to come forward with information, coupled with promises of “handsome rewards,” signals an intent to engage the public actively in what could become a contentious issue.
Critics argue that vehicle recovery is standard procedure when administrations change, but framing it as a high-stakes operation could be perceived as undermining the credibility of the former administration. Furthermore, the insinuations about former officials, including high-ranking aides like the Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, holding vehicles illegally, raises questions about the true intent of the exercise.
While the government insists this is about reclaiming public property for the benefit of Edo citizens, skeptics suggest the exercise could be a distraction from pressing governance issues or a political strategy to discredit Obaseki’s tenure. The timing, coming so soon after the inauguration of a new administration, has fueled speculations about vendettas and political rivalries.
The success of the recovery effort depends on public perception and cooperation. If seen as a genuine accountability exercise, it could bolster confidence in the Okpebholo administration. Conversely, if perceived as a witch-hunt, it risks deepening political divisions in the state.
As the committee moves forward, the real test lies in its ability to handle the exercise transparently and without bias, ensuring it is seen as a service to Edo citizens rather than a political spectacle.
