The recent suspension of the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Oil and Gas, Mr. Felix Isere, has sparked public discourse and raised critical questions about governance, accountability, and transparency in public service.
Mr. Isere’s appointment, despite his limited professional background in the oil and gas sector, was seen by many as a bold move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to empower young professionals and entrust them with significant responsibilities in the administration. It reflected the Governor’s willingness to create space for new voices and fresh perspectives in key sectors of Edo State’s development.
The concept of the Edo Oil and Gas Summit, though now postponed, was well received as a timely and strategic platform to engage stakeholders in positioning Edo State as a viable energy hub. The Governor’s initial approval of the summit indicated strong executive support for the initiative.
However, the controversy began when it was alleged that Mr. Isere went beyond what the Governor had approved for and sought financial contributions from stakeholders for the summit without approval and using personal or private corporate bank accounts. Actions that contravenes established public service procedures and financial regulations.
The memo submitted by Mr. Isere to the Governor reportedly sought for two approvals: for summit and also for “partnership, collaboration, and sponsorship” from stakeholders. The Governor was clever and unambiguous to approve for summit only.
While the language for “partnership, collaboration, and sponsorship” may appear broad, it has been interpreted by Felix Isere’s sympathizers as a request for financial support. Still, even if fundraising was implicitly understood, it remains clear that the approval only covered summit and not fund raising and/or the method of fund collection, particularly the use of private accounts.
This raises important questions:
▪️ Why solicit for external funding while you only got an approval for summit by the Governor?
▪️Why was donated funds channelled through personal accounts instead official government accounts?
▪️Why was the Governor not briefed about the specific funds received from donors?
▪️Were there clear directives or approvals regarding how such funds should be managed or utilized for the event?
As a lawyer and public official, Mr. Isere is expected to understand that using personal accounts for public fundraising is not only inappropriate but also in direct violation of the civil service code.
In addition, the decision to release an internal government document publicly in a bid to clear his name, rather than subjecting himself to due process, has also attracted scrutiny. Such premature disclosure of official communication undermines administrative discipline and raises concerns about transparency and intent.
Adding to the controversy, Mr. Isere has recently faced accusations on social media of defrauding individuals under the pretense of securing UK job placements and work authorizations. According to public claims by a UK based social media commentator, Albert Obazee, Mr. Isere began reimbursing some of the complainants, but the matter was never formally resolved or addressed in public.
With these issues now in the spotlight, some observers are asking whether the summit may have been, in part, motivated by a need to raise funds to settle unrelated obligations.
While the idea behind the Edo Oil and Gas Summit remains commendable, public office demands a higher standard of integrity, due process, and accountability. Governor Okpebholo has shown a consistent stance in suspending and investigating officials when allegations of financial misconduct arise.
Mr. Felix Isere is not exempted and now has the opportunity to fully cooperate with any official investigation and to provide clarity on the facts.
The people of Edo State are watching with keen interest as events unfold.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Omoruyi, a political commentator, writes from Benin