The Edo State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, and other party supporters to return government vehicles allegedly in their possession.
The directive was given on Tuesday by Kelly Okungbowa, Chairman of the Government Assets Recovery Committee, recently appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo to recover government assets, including vehicles still being held by private individuals.
Speaking to journalists, Okungbowa revealed that several vehicles belonging to the now-defunct government transport company, Edo Line, were illegally sold and discovered at spare parts markets in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
“We want to use this medium to appeal to those whose names have been mentioned to please return those vehicles to the authorities. These vehicles are the property of the Edo State Government, for the benefit of the people,” Okungbowa said.
He stressed the financial implications of purchasing new vehicles, highlighting that a single Hilux truck now costs about N120 million.
“We want to appeal especially to the candidate of the PDP, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate. As leaders in the state, it is only right that they return these vehicles,” Okungbowa added.
According to him, Governor Okpebholo has already begun reallocating recovered vehicles to government agencies to ensure operational efficiency.
“Mr. Governor visited Edo Line during his electoral campaign and promised to revamp it. Unfortunately, when we got there, there were no vehicles. Further investigations revealed that some were taken and sold. This morning, we discovered 12 of these vehicles at Uwelo Spare Parts Market—six were movable, while six were not,” Okungbowa explained.
He added that some vehicles had been traced to Lagos, Abuja, and Abeokuta, but the committee preferred to appeal for voluntary compliance before taking further steps.
“We are giving them another 72 hours to do the needful. If they fail, we will proceed with appropriate measures. We are not witch-hunting anyone; we are simply carrying out our duties according to the law,” he added.
The committee also published a list of former government officials allegedly still in possession of vehicles, urging them to comply with the directive within the stipulated time to avoid further action.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has pledged to recover state assets and redistribute them for public use, emphasizing accountability and transparency in governance.
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