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| Hon Philip Shaibu |
As the current leadership, in Edo State gets ready to step down from their roles Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu is not going out without making some noise. He wants to ensure that the transition to the government is smooth and free, from any corruption or mishandling of assets. Recently on Friday the 4th of October Shaibu sent a message to Permanent Secretaries and leaders of government departments urging them to stay alert and prevent any unauthorized taking or loss of state owned assets.
In his statement, Shaibu emphasized that these officials will be held accountable by the incoming administration if any government assets go missing under their watch. With the final days approaching fast—November 11 marking the departure of many political appointees this isn't just about good housekeeping. It’s about preserving Edo’s legacy and ensuring that political appointees don’t take liberties with public property.
Shaibu's message was loud and clear: Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and the heads of agencies have a duty to protect public assets from opportunistic appointees looking to leave office with more than just memories. Political aides, from the Secretary to the State Government down to Senior Special Assistants, are also packing their bags. But Shaibu made it clear that looting during this transition won’t be tolerated.
This warning didn’t come out of nowhere. Transitions between administrations are often fraught with risks, and Shaibu is determined not to let Edo's future be compromised. He reminded MDAs that any failure to act would lead to serious consequences not just a slap on the wrist but full accountability. They’re expected to take inventory, lock down assets, and ensure that nothing goes missing.
The deputy governor’s message wasn’t just about accountability it was a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public office. In fact, Shaibu framed it as a crime to remove fixed items or other government properties. He made it clear that such actions would be met with legal consequences, setting the tone for a disciplined and lawful exit.
Shaibu’s statement, which he personally signed, also called on political appointees themselves to resist the temptation to take government assets with them. As November 11 looms closer, the clock is ticking, and the expectation is that everyone MDAs and political appointees alike will act responsibly during this critical transition period. In Shaibu's words, the consequences for failing to do so are not worth the risk.
This isn’t just about safeguarding material assets—it’s about maintaining trust in the process of governance. What Shaibu’s warning brings to light is the larger issue of responsibility, transparency, and the need for public servants to act in the best interest of the state, even as they prepare to step down. It’s not just about avoiding theft; it’s about ensuring that Edo's institutions remain strong, its resources protected, and its legacy untarnished.
With transitions in government often being times of uncertainty, Shaibu’s strong stance highlights the importance of vigilance. His warning goes beyond just one administration it's a message to all those in public service that their actions during transitions can have long lasting effects on the state’s governance and public trust.
So, what do you think? Are these steps by Shaibu enough to prevent looting and asset mismanagement? Or is more oversight needed as administrations change hands? Drop your thoughts in the comments let's get a conversation going on the role of accountability in governance, especially during times of transition.
Source: HonPhilipShaibu / X
WARNING TO PERMANENT SECRETARIES, HEADS OF MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS, AND AGENCIES
— Philip Shaibu (@HonPhilipShaibu) October 4, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/8TvciXHyFG