Crusoe Osagie, media aide to the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has dismissed the move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to probe Obaseki’s government, describing it as a diversionary tactic to cover up his own incompetence and lack of vision.
In a statement, Osagie criticized Okpebholo for resorting to political theatrics rather than focusing on governance. He accused the governor of staging “meaningless probes” as a way to distract from his failure to provide a clear direction for the state’s development.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration is devoid of ideas and is using probes to buy time and avoid addressing the real challenges facing the state,” Osagie said. “He is treating the people of Edo State as if they are an undiscerning mob, hoping to distract them with political spectacles. But the Edo people are too wise to be deceived.”
Osagie further criticized the newly announced 14-member State Assets Verification Committee, which Okpebholo’s administration has set up to investigate the Obaseki government. He called the move “laughable and utterly ridiculous,” pointing out that Obaseki’s administration was widely recognized for its transparency and fiscal discipline.
“The Obaseki administration set a global standard for transparent governance, laying the foundation for sustainable development in Edo State,” Osagie said. “Under Obaseki, the state developed its first-ever asset register, which has already been handed over to the new government.”
Osagie also accused Okpebholo of being a puppet of powerful political godfathers seeking to settle scores with Obaseki, noting that the governor had come to power through what he termed a “stolen mandate.”
“This is a futile attempt to mislead the people of Edo State,” Osagie added. “Rather than wasting resources on empty probes, Governor Okpebholo should focus on improving the lives of the people and delivering tangible results.”
Osagie concluded by asserting that Okpebholo’s short-lived government would be judged not by political distractions, but by its real impact on Edo citizens. “The people are watching,” he said. “And when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reclaims its rightful mandate, Okpebholo’s government will be judged for what it truly accomplished.”
Governor Okpebholo had approved the formation of the 14-member State Assets Verification Committee, which will investigate the previous administration’s handling of government assets. The committee, chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, is set to be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Government House in Benin City.
