Why the Obaseki’s Government Must Provide Key Documents For Smooth Transition

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By Victor Ofure Osehobo

The chairman of the Edo State governor-elect’s transition committee, Dr. Pius Odubu, who is also a former deputy governor of Edo State, expressed his satisfaction at the inaugural meeting between the Edo State government transition committee and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Team, held last week. He described the meeting as a bold and essential step towards ensuring a smooth and seamless transition from the outgoing PDP administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the incoming APC-led government.

Dr. Odubu, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of transparency in the transition process. He urged the state government to provide both hardcopy and softcopy documents detailing the activities of the Obaseki-led administration since its inception in November 2016. These documents, according to Dr. Odubu, are crucial for the incoming government to gain a comprehensive understanding of the state’s operations and ensure continuity in governance.

“It is vital that all relevant documents are made available to allow the new administration to hit the ground running. This is not a ‘them versus us’ situation. We are all working for the benefit of the state, and a seamless transition is in everyone’s best interest,” Dr. Odubu stated.

The list of documents requested by Dr. Odubu’s team definitely include:
1. Financial Documents:
These include annual budget reports, audited financial statements, internal and external loans, debt repayment schedules, government grants, bonds, and the current cash flow situation.
2. Contracts and Agreements:
A comprehensive list of ongoing and pending contracts, including public-private partnership (PPP) agreements, lease contracts, and other long-term arrangements. These documents are crucial for assessing the state’s financial obligations.
3. Government Projects: Information on the status of all infrastructure and development projects, both ongoing and completed, is essential. The transition team has requested project documentation, including feasibility studies, design documents, progress reports, and any challenges faced during implementation.
4. Public Service and Employment Records:
The incoming administration needs to understand the structure of the public service, payroll records, pension liabilities, and existing labor agreements with unions. This will help prevent any disruption in public service operations post-transition.
5. Policy Documents:
A detailed overview of government policies, laws, executive orders, and long-term development strategies implemented during Obaseki’s administration is critical for maintaining continuity in governance.
6. Assets and Liabilities:
An inventory of government assets, including land, buildings, vehicles, and equipment, is necessary. Additionally, the team has requested details on any outstanding liabilities, such as court judgments, fines, or unresolved claims.
7. Institutional Framework and Governance:
The transition team needs copies of key governance manuals, such as civil service rules, procurement regulations, and audit guidelines, as well as the organizational structure of the state government.
8. Development Programs:
Reports on state-run development or poverty alleviation programs, their budgets, and outcomes are necessary to assess the impact of these initiatives on the people of Edo State.
9. Security and Law Enforcement: The team needs reports on the state’s security situation, crime statistics, and relationships with federal security agencies, along with any existing emergency plans.
10. Miscellaneous Information: This includes summaries of international and local collaborations, special programs, and any other relevant initiatives undertaken by the outgoing government.

Dr. Odubu, however, expressed concern that the transition process might be hampered by the absence of key documents. At the second meeting of the APC Transition Team, held yesterday, representatives of the state government were present but failed to produce any of the requested documents. This development led Dr. Odubu and his team to formally write a letter to the Obaseki administration, requesting an urgent release of the necessary documentation.

“The absence of these documents is worrisome. We have communicated our concerns to the state government and are hopeful that they will respond promptly. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable in this process. The people of Edo State deserve a smooth transition, and we are here to ensure that happens,” someone remarked.

The transition committee has raised concerns over potential attempts by the outgoing administration to withhold critical information. Dr. Odubu cautioned against any such move, stating, “Let’s not try to hide information. The incoming government must be fully briefed, and any attempt to conceal relevant data would only hurt the state’s progress.”

As the transition process continues, all eyes are on Governor Obaseki’s administration to see if they will cooperate fully with the APC Transition Team. Failure to do so could create unnecessary complications for the incoming government and set a negative precedent for future transitions in Edo State.

 

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