Gov Okpebholo of Edo State
Edo Gov Okpebholo to Probe Obaseki’s Administration, Vows Accountability
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the financial records and governance of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
The governor spoke yesterday while addressing party leaders, youths, market women, civil servants, and other stakeholders at the Government House in Benin City, following a victory parade celebrating his Supreme Court affirmation.
Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, were warmly received upon their return from Abuja after the Supreme Court upheld their victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the judicial victory, stating that it was now time to focus on governance.
He promised that within two years, Edo residents would witness tangible progress under his leadership.
The governor accused the previous administration of excessive reliance on consultants, alleging financial mismanagement.
He revealed that an audit of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) uncovered that a consultant was paid N6 billion, with an additional N2 billion spent on “ordinary software.”
His administration has since developed its own software and terminated the consultant’s contract, redirecting funds toward state development.
“We have trained our civil servants to handle these tasks, saving costs and utilizing local expertise,”
Okpebholo said. “Unlike the past government, we are maximizing our human resources instead of outsourcing critical functions.”
He further criticized Obaseki’s financial decisions, citing an instance where a state university received N47 million while a consultant was paid N51 million.
The governor vowed to scrutinize the past administration’s records, interrogate officials, and recover misappropriated funds.
“We will open the books and ensure accountability. Edo people deserve to know how they were governed in the last eight years,” he declared. “Those who exploited the state will be held responsible.”
Governor Okpebholo also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and reiterated his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to Edo residents.
He assured civil servants of job security, noting that he had retained the Head of Service and permanent secretaries from the previous administration.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa echoed the governor’s sentiments, urging focus and dedication to improving Edo State.
Meanwhile, jubilant APC supporters who gathered to welcome the governor at Benin Airport were reportedly barred from entering the Government House during the celebration. The crowd, which included market women and party members, had assembled early to celebrate Okpebholo’s legal victory, cheering as his aircraft landed at 12:40 pm.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling marked the end of legal battles, affirming his mandate to lead Edo State. “The people voted for us, and the courts have validated their choice. Now, it’s time to work,” he said.
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