Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has taken decisive action by suspending his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, following allegations of unauthorized fundraising activities for a planned Oil and Gas summit.
The suspension was announced on Tuesday in Benin by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, through an official statement.
In addition to the suspension, Governor Okpebholo ordered the immediate cancellation of the Oil and Gas summit that was scheduled to commence on August 7.
The SSG’s statement clearly outlined the governor’s directives, stating “Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event.” The government also issued a warning to potential donors, with Ikhilor advising that “Prospective donors are hereby advised to stop all dealings with the suspended adviser.”
This development highlights the state government’s commitment to accountability and proper governance procedures. While the exact amount of funds collected through the alleged unauthorized fundraising has not been disclosed, the governor’s swift action demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to financial impropriety. The suspension and summit cancellation may temporarily disrupt planned discussions on Edo State’s oil and gas sector development, pending further investigations into the matter.