MEDIA aide to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, has criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to investigate Obaseki’s administration, calling it a smokescreen to hide his own incompetence and lack of readiness for the role.
In a statement, Osagie accused Okpebholo of lacking ideas and a clear vision for the state’s development, asserting that the governor is resorting to cheap political theatrics and meaningless investigations to distract from his evident shortcomings.
He likened Okpebholo’s actions to a spectacle akin to a gladiatorial contest in Ancient Rome, suggesting that the governor is attempting to deceive the people of Edo State with such distractions.
Osagie’s statement reads: “We have taken note of the absurd announcement from Monday Okpebholo’s administration regarding the establishment of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the tenure of his predecessor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, who is widely recognized for running one of the most transparent and accountable governments in Nigeria’s history.
“This is yet another instance of the pointless probes that Okpebholo and his aimless administration have initiated since taking office through questionable means. From investigating civil service employment to scrutinizing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and even examining government vehicles and assets, the governor has demonstrated a lack of vision and resorted to these empty theatrics to buy time and divert attention from his inadequacies.
“He seems to believe that the people of Edo State are easily misled, attempting to distract them with a show reminiscent of gladiatorial battles in the Ancient Roman Colosseum. However, Okpebholo will soon realize that he faces the toughest job in Nigeria, as the people of Edo are astute and cannot be easily deceived. His diversionary tactics may work in some parts of Nigeria, but not in Edo State.
“He should cease his futile attempts to mislead the people, who have already recognized him for what he truly is: a politician overwhelmed by his responsibilities, manipulated by powerful figures seeking revenge after being denied access to the resources of the state by the previous government led by His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
“It is well-documented that the Obaseki administration achieved a remarkable level of transparency in governance, establishing a strong foundation for fiscal discipline that enabled significant progress across various sectors, including the economy, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Under Obaseki, the state created its first asset register, detailing all government assets, which has now been handed over to the new administration.”
He continued, “We understand the motives behind these diversionary probes—they are merely a facade to cover up the governor-select’s incompetence and unpreparedness for office, having assumed power through a contested mandate.
“We advise Okpebholo to concentrate on governance and enhancing the lives of the people of Edo rather than squandering state resources on meaningless investigations that only serve to mask his failings. The people of Edo are observant, and his brief tenure—until the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reclaims its rightful mandate—will be assessed not by the noise he generates but by the tangible impact he achieves.”
Okpebholo has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, announced this in a statement yesterday, noting that the committee will be inaugurated tomorrow, November 26, 2024, at Government House in Benin City, and will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.