Probe of Obaseki’s administration smokescreen to cover Okpebholo’s incompetence – Osagie

Crusoe Osagie, media aide to Edo State’s immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, has described Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to probe Obaseki’s administration as a diversionary tactic to cover up his alleged incompetence and lack of preparedness for office.

In a statement, Osagie accused Okpebholo of being devoid of ideas and vision for the state’s development. He alleged that the governor is resorting to political theatrics and empty probes to distract from what he termed “glaring incompetence.”

Osagie said, “Governor Okpebholo is treating the people of Edo State as if they are an undiscerning audience, staging probes akin to gladiatorial spectacles in ancient Roman arenas to divert attention from his failings.”

Transparency Claims

The statement further defended Obaseki’s administration as one of the most transparent and accountable in Nigeria’s history, citing achievements such as the creation of Edo State’s first asset register. According to Osagie, this document detailing government assets was duly handed over to the current administration.

Osagie criticised Okpebholo’s recent formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee, chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, to investigate Obaseki’s tenure. He described the move as part of a “series of meaningless probes” intended to mask a lack of governance direction.

Political Motivations

Osagie alleged that the probes were driven by vendetta from Okpebholo’s political backers, claiming, “Okpebholo has become a tool in the hands of godfathers seeking revenge for being denied access to state resources under Obaseki.”

Call for Focus on Governance

He urged Okpebholo to prioritise governance and improving the lives of Edo citizens rather than expending state resources on “futile theatrics.” Osagie warned, “Edo people are discerning and will judge this administration by its impact, not its noise.”

The statement concluded with a call for Okpebholo to focus on delivering results within what Osagie referred to as a “short-span government,” claiming that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would reclaim its mandate in due course.

Okpebholo’s Committee

Governor Okpebholo approved the establishment of the committee, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Government House in Benin City. Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua announced the formation of the committee, tasked with investigating the handling of state assets under Obaseki’s administration.