… Orders redeployment of security officers over lockout of journalists, supporters from govt house
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly examine the financial records and governance practices of his predecessor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, over the past eight years.
Governor Okpebholo made the disclosure while addressing thousands of party loyalists, civil servants, market women, youths, and other stakeholders during a victory rally held at Government House, Benin City, following his affirmation by the Supreme Court as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.
He used the occasion to express gratitude to God, the people of Edo State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their unwavering support during the protracted legal battle that followed the 2024 governorship election.
The Governor accused the Obaseki administration of gross financial recklessness, alleging that billions of naira were paid to consultants for jobs that could have been efficiently handled by competent civil servants within the state.
Citing specific instances, Governor Okpebholo revealed that EdoGIS paid a consultant N6 billion, and an additional N2 billion, “just for ordinary software,” while public institutions such as a state-owned university received a meagre N47 million under Obaseki’s administration.
“We have since developed our own software and trained our civil servants to handle the job, saving the state huge sums of money. We have some of the best brains in the civil service, but Obaseki chose to empower consultants instead,” the Governor said.
Governor Okpebholo declared that his administration would open the books of the previous government and interrogate all questionable dealings.
“I will take two years out of Obaseki’s eight and show Edo people the difference,” he stated, adding that the planned Commission of Inquiry will scrutinise financial records and governance decisions taken during Obaseki’s time in office.
He also dismissed claims that he had purged the civil service, clarifying that he retained the Head of Service and many permanent secretaries from the previous administration.
“Since I assumed office, I have not sacked anybody. I’m working with the civil servants I met on ground,” he noted.
Governor Okpebholo also accused the opposition of stockpiling funds to influence court outcomes, saying:
“They were looking for judges to bribe, but they failed. The people voted for me, and the Supreme Court confirmed it.”
Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa praised the Governor for his steadfastness during the legal process and called on party faithful to focus on governance and development.
Also speaking at the rally, former Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu described the victory as divine and urged the administration to get to work, assuring that Edo people will appreciate the choice they made in voting for Okpebholo.
The Commission of Inquiry is expected to commence its work in the coming weeks as the administration moves to sanitise public finances and restore transparency in governance.
Meanwhile, the Governor has ordered the immediate redeployment of all security personnel who were on duty at the Government House in Benin City on Friday, 11 July 2025, following the controversial exclusion of journalists and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Supreme Court victory celebrations.
Those affected by the redeployment included the Camp Commandant, whose team was accused of locking out invited guests, media personnel and supporters during what was meant to be a moment of celebration.
The Governor, in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, described the incident as “unacceptable and inconsistent” with his leadership style, stressing that the unfortunate action did not emanate from his office and does not reflect his values as a leader elected by the people.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to open governance, inclusivity and respect for stakeholders, saying:
“I will never knowingly authorise any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press.”
Consequently, Governor Okpebholo has set up a small investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify all individuals involved.
He assured that anyone found culpable will face disciplinary action.
“This administration will not condone actions that ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by us,” the Governor stated, adding that his government remains committed to fostering unity, transparency, and mutual respect across all segments of society.
The redeployment and investigation are part of a broader effort by the Okpebholo administration to reinforce its image as people-oriented and media-friendly.
