Edo criticizes EFFC over detention of accountant general, others

The Edo state commissioner for communication and orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare said that the arrest of Mr. Julius Anelu, the state’s accountant general, and two other people is intended to impair the state’s governance.

According to report, the commissioner stated in a statement issued on Saturday that the state government would have been grounded starting on Monday and would not have been able to fulfill its fundamental duties.

He said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in a letter dated October 28, 2024, invited four officials from the Edo state treasury office, including the accountant general, Mr. Anelu, to its Benin Office.

“The letter of invitation, addressed to the secretary to the state government and titled: ‘Loans and agricultural interventions granted to Edo state government from Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing system for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) from 2018 to date’, pertains to an agricultural facility that has since been repaid by the state government.

“The government officers, including the state accountant on Thursday, honoured the invitation as requested at the Benin office of the EFCC to provide necessary answers as required by the EFCC.

“However, upon realising that one of the invited officials was no longer a signatory to the government account, the EFCC released the officer and requested for the current signatory, whose name was not initially on the invitation letter.

“The said officer is now also being detained by the agency at Abuja, in addition to the others who were originally invited and honoured the invitation.

“The EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and acting out a script that portends grave danger to democracy.

“The reason for the invitation of these civil servants is clear, contrary to the invitation letter to keep them in EFCC custody until November 12, the day of the termination of the tenure of this government.

“In fact, from Monday, the government would have been grounded and will no longer be able to meet up with basic responsibilities and obligations.

“This devious action is most condemnable and reprehensible and we urge the EFCC to act responsibly in the interest of democracy, justice, peace and the wellbeing of Edo people and immediately release these government officials, and not throw Edo state into chaos.

“Edo state government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki runs a transparent and accountable government.

“This government runs until November 12th, 2024.

“Unconstituitional actions should not be done to hinder its operations”, he stated.

Earlier: The battle for power in Edo state

According to Diaspora Digital Media, a peculiar but genuine leadership dispute raged in Edo state, which is part of Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

Two people were posing as deputy governors in the state headed by Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

On April 8, 2024, the Edo state house of assembly impeached Obaseki’s now-estranged friend, Comrade Philip Shaibu, as deputy governor, sparking the start of this conflict.

Obaseki impliedly proposed Godwin Marvellous Omobayo, who was born in 1986, to succeed Shuaibu.

Since then, Mr. Omobayo has been sworn in.

Shaibu went forward and successfully contested his impeachment in court.

His impeachment was ruled invalid by the Abuja Federal High Court, which cited flagrant violations of Sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Edo state government has refused to acknowledge Shaibu’s reinstatement in spite of the court’s decision, arguing that Omobayo is still the rightful deputy governor.

As a result, there is now a power struggle between the two people, with each vying for the position.

Senator Roland Owie, a federal lawmaker, called the situation “unfortunate,” stating that the law is clear: Shaibu stays the deputy governor until the ruling is overturned.

However, Hillary Otsu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Edo state secretary, contended that Omobayo continues to serve as deputy governor until the Supreme Court renders a decision.

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