Former Edo State Commissioner and Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has denied allegations surrounding his acquisition of a 2012 Toyota Prado SUV. The allegations were raised by a committee led by Mr. Kelly Okungbowa, alias Ebo Stone, which was set up by the Edo State Government to recover government vehicles.
In a detailed statement, Nehikhare labeled the accusations as part of a “deliberate and calculated campaign” to tarnish his reputation. He clarified that the vehicle, initially purchased during the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, had been abandoned as a derelict shell in a workshop. The former commissioner claimed he legally acquired the vehicle through a government-sanctioned auction for ₦700,000, reflecting its poor condition.
Claims of Restoration and Transparency
Nehikhare described the vehicle as a “mechanical wreck” that required significant restoration, including a complete disassembly, a new engine, interior repairs, and a full respray. He stated that all phases of the restoration process were documented with receipts and corroborated by witnesses, including the mechanics involved.
He dismissed claims that the vehicle is worth ₦200 million as “ridiculous” and intended to mislead the public. “This controversy is not about a vehicle but a targeted attempt to discredit me for political reasons,” he said.
Response to the Committee’s Actions
The former commissioner revealed that he submitted purchase documents to the Secretary to the State Government and the committee but received no response. He accused the committee of using “bureaucracy and media narratives to serve political interests.”
Public Appeal
Nehikhare urged the public to disregard the allegations, which he described as a politically motivated distraction. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, stating, “The vehicle was legally acquired, the restoration was personally financed, and my actions were above board.”
He concluded with a message of resilience, thanking his supporters and pledging to continue his work for the betterment of Edo State.
The Edo State Government is yet to respond to the statement.
