MonITNG has criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo over the nomination of Terry Igiebor to chair the Edo State Ecological Fund Commission (EFC), raising questions about the process leading to his confirmation and demanding greater transparency from the Edo State Government.

In a statement addressed to the governor, the group said it was aware of the nomination and alleged that there were unresolved questions surrounding Igiebor’s academic credentials, including claims of certificate forgery.

“We are also aware of the serious questions and allegations surrounding his academic credentials, including claims of certificate forgery,” the group said.

MonITNG also questioned the speed with which the nominee was confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly, particularly following the emergence of Hon. Yekini Idiaye as Speaker.

“How did the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, who only assumed leadership of the House on Monday, move so quickly to confirm Terry Igiebor?” it asked.
“What due diligence was conducted before the confirmation? When was Mr. Igiebor’s nomination received, and when did the verification process begin?”

The group further questioned whether the Assembly had enough time to independently verify Igiebor’s academic qualifications and complete the necessary background checks before his confirmation.

“Was there enough time for the House to independently verify his academic credentials and conduct all necessary background checks?” MonITNG asked.

It also sought clarification on whether the nominee underwent security screening by the Department of State Services (DSS) and whether the necessary clearance was obtained before his nomination or confirmation.

“Was Terry Igiebor subjected to DSS security screening? Was DSS clearance obtained before his nomination or confirmation?” the group asked.

“If so, will the Edo State Government provide evidence that the appropriate security checks were actually conducted?”

MonITNG equally called on Speaker Yekini Idiaye to explain the procedure adopted by the Assembly before approving the nomination and to identify the institutions allegedly contacted to authenticate Igiebor’s certificates.

“Which institutions were contacted to authenticate his certificates? Were the relevant schools, examination bodies or issuing authorities formally approached?” it asked.

The group said the authorities should make the relevant verification documents and clearances available if the allegations concerning Igiebor’s academic credentials are unfounded.

“If the allegations against Mr. Igiebor are false, transparency should not be difficult. Let the verification documents and relevant clearances speak for themselves,” it said.

MonITNG further urged Governor Okpebholo to ensure that integrity, competence and accountability remain central to appointments into public office.

“Governor Okpebholo must demonstrate that his administration will not sacrifice integrity, competence and accountability for political considerations,” the group said.

It also called on the Edo State Government, House of Assembly, DSS and other relevant authorities to provide answers and undertake what it described as a transparent and independent verification process.

“We call on the Edo State Government, House of Assembly, DSS and other relevant authorities to provide answers and conduct a transparent, independent verification.”
The group concluded: “Edo deserves proof, not assurances. Public office is a trust, not a reward for political patronage.”

The allegations raised by MonITNG have not, in themselves, established that Igiebor’s credentials were forged. The questions centre on whether appropriate verification and security checks were completed before his confirmation and whether the authorities are willing to make evidence of those checks public.