By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – As the tenure of the Patrick Obaseki-led state government in Edo State gradually winds up, the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has warned the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to guard against looting of government properties by political appointees.
The Deputy Governor said that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.
Shaibu in a statement he personally signed and released on his verified X account on Friday, emphasised that the Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.
The statement reads in full:
“As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.”
“The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.”
“So, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for giving an account of their inventories. Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.”
“Permanent Secretaries and heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences. All political appointees must equally desist from such actions, which may land them in trouble.”
Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu
Deputy Governor, Edo State
4th October, 2024