The Edo State Government has said that the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is the most open and responsible in the state’s history.
The Edo government stated this after the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole called for an investigation into the finances of the outgoing administration on Thursday.
Oshiomhole had made the call when the Independent National Electoral Commission was presenting a certificate of return to Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, winners of the Edo State gubernatorial election, in Abuja on Thursday.
Oshiomhole called on The World Bank to look into Obaseki’s usage of the $75 million fund intended for the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation.
“All the fraud that Obaseki was doing with so-called World Bank money, and I think the World Bank will even want to investigate what he did with that money when you have schools without teachers and you are doing Edo BEST. He left Edo worse,” Oshiomhole said.
However, in a statement released on Friday, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, stated that among many other transparency efforts, Governor Godwin Obaseki followed the law when awarding contracts.
“I would like to emphasise that Governor Obaseki’s administration has been the most transparent and accountable in Edo State ever.
“The government has adhered to due process in the award and execution of contracts, while the pricing and procurement processes have received numerous accolades both nationally and internationally.”
“One of our staff members is currently in Liberia to help replicate Edo State’s exemplary procurement processes. Various agencies, including the World Bank under the SFTAS programme, gave our government, Public Expenditure Efficiency Award, (The only state in the Federation) and Fiscal Transparency And Accountability Award (first among 5 States)as well as ICAN, have recognized Governor Obaseki with awards for his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Edo State has experienced unprecedented levels of resource utilisation, ensuring value for money. Our data and documentation regarding government activities are accessible at our data centre located in the Government House.
“Every action taken has been in the best interest of the Edo people, and we have the authority as their elected government to do so.
“Unlike former Governor Oshiomhole, who was shielded from scrutiny, Governor Obaseki welcomes accountability and does not hide behind others,” Chris said.