Edo Government Issues 72-Hour Deadline to Asue Ighodalo for Return of Vehicles in Private Hands

The Edo State Government has issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last governorship election, and other key figures linked to the party, demanding the return of government vehicles currently in their possession.

 

The directive, announced by Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the newly established Government Assets Recovery Committee, comes as part of on-going efforts to recover state assets, particularly vehicles that were allegedly taken from the now-defunct Edo Line transport company.

 

Okungbowa, who was appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo to oversee the recovery process, revealed that some of the vehicles had been sold off and were recently found in a spare parts market in Benin City. According to Okungbowa, some of these vehicles were in varying conditions, with several being deemed non-operational.

 

He urged those holding the vehicles, including Ighodalo, to return them promptly, stressing that these assets belong to the state and should be used for the benefit of the people.

“The state has invested significant amounts in these vehicles, and they are essential for the smooth running of government operations. We urge those who have taken them to do the right thing and return them without further delay,” Okungbowa said.

 

Governor Okpebholo had previously pledged to revive the Edo Line company during his electoral campaign but discovered that many vehicles had gone missing.

“During a visit to Edo Line, it was clear that no vehicles were available for use, and further investigation revealed that they had been sold off,” Okungbowa added. The committee has since tracked down some of the vehicles to locations in Benin City, Lagos, Abuja, and Abeokuta.

 

In a further appeal, Okungbowa made it clear that while the government seeks the return of these assets, they are not engaging in a witch-hunt. “We are acting in accordance with the law and expect cooperation from those involved. If they fail to comply, the government will take necessary legal actions,” he warned.

 

The committee has set an official deadline for the return of the vehicles, with a warning of further legal steps if the assets are not returned within the specified 72-hour period.