Benin City: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo alongside Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, top government functionaries, party chieftains, and thousands of APC supporters, staged a celebratory parade across Benin City on Friday.
The event followed the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Okpebholo’s 2024 governorship election victory.
Speaking at the Government House after the victory procession, Governor Okpebholo announced his readiness to govern with full force and declared plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the administration of his predecessor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He alleged that the Obaseki administration excessively relied on consultants, pointing out questionable financial decisions. While reviewing the records at EdoGIS, I found that a consultant was paid N6 billion and another N2 billion for basic software services, Okpebholo claimed.
We’ve now trained our civil servants to handle those tasks internally, saving billions for Edo State’s development.
The governor emphasized that Edo has competent professionals within the civil service. “Obaseki chose consultants over our well-trained civil servants. We are reversing that wasteful trend, he said.
After just eight months in office, we are already seeing progress. By two years, the people will feel the impact of purposeful leadership.
Okpebholo accused the previous administration of misappropriating funds, citing a case where a university received only N47 million, while a consultant allegedly received N51 million.
They planned to continue this looting, but God stepped in. Now, it’s time to open the books and hold them accountable.
He reiterated his commitment to transparency and continuity in the civil service. I’ve not sacked anyone since taking office. The Head of Service from Obaseki’s tenure is still working with me, as are many Permanent Secretaries, he stated.
Edo people were tired of transactional politics. We will investigate and ensure those who looted our state face justice.
Deputy Governor Idahosa added, now is the time to focus and work. The campaign is over; service delivery begins.
Despite marching with the governor’s convoy from Benin Airport to the Government House, thousands of APC supporters were barred from entering the premises for the post-parade refreshments.
Security personnel informed them that access was limited to high-ranking individuals.
Some of the disappointed supporters said they had waited for hours under the sun. Mrs. Ebosele Omogiate shared her frustration:
I left home before 7 a.m. for the airport and marched with the governor, only to be locked out. It’s unfair after all our efforts.
