An air of uncertainty has settled over the Edo Urban Water Corporation (EUWC) following a formal petition accusing its management of alleged financial impropriety relating to contracts totaling N1.361 billion. The petition, submitted to Governor Monday Okpebholo on February 6th, details concerns over the execution and awarding of numerous water infrastructure projects.
The document, authored by EUWC staff member Christopher Abhulimen, alleges misappropriation of public funds through poorly executed and potentially fictitious contracts. It specifically targets the management’s handling of several key initiatives designed to improve water access across Edo State.
The petition highlights eight projects of particular concern, each with substantial financial allocations. These include a N700 million pipeline network project intended to serve the communities of Ugboha and Uromi, N23 million allocated to the Abico pumping station, and N120 million designated for providing potable water to the Emotan Garden Estate.
Further accusations focus on N150 million earmarked for the reactivation of water schemes in the Etsako and Akoko-Edo regions, N150 million allocated for pipe supply, N15 million for chemical supply, N160 million for the management of the Ugboha Dam, and N43 million allegedly derived from the illegal sale of ductile pipes.
Mr. Abhulimen’s petition calls upon Governor Okpebholo to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the listed projects and the role of the EUWC management, particularly highlighting the involvement of Mrs. Adeboyega, in the alleged financial mismanagement. He urges the Governor to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
In response to these serious allegations, the EUWC management has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Corporation forwarded a rejoinder, written by one Robinson Akhenoba, which refutes the claims outlined in the petition.
Akhenoba’s rejoinder dismisses the allegations as misleading and politically motivated. He urges Governor Okpebholo to disregard the petition and instead rely on verified facts and credible information, rather than what he describes as “manipulative tactics and misinformation.”
“Prioritising facts over baseless claims will ensure justice,” Akhenoba stated in the forwarded rejoinder, suggesting a thorough review of the project documentation and processes.
