Crusoe Osagie, the media adviser to former governor Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the review of the e-governance platform by the Edo State Government.
Naija News reports that the State Government ordered immediate review of its e-governance platform, over concerns about data breach and lack of administrative control.
This was disclosed on Tuesday through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor.
The government explained that the review became necessary after discovering that the platform was being operated from the backend by “unknown non-state actors” which leaves the state’s public service without administrative control.
Contrary to reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo had shut down the platform and reverted civil service operations to paper-based communication, Ikhilor clarified that the e-governance system remains functional during the review.
He emphasised that the review aimed to restore administrative control and address security risks posed by the current arrangement.
He said, “Some reports in a section of the social media that the state government has shut down the platform.
“This is considered a serious data security threat as it has placed the entire governance structure of the state at the mercy of non-state actors or so-called consultants. This, therefore, calls for an urgent need to review the process.
“In the light of the foregoing and in order to remedy this clear and present danger, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate review of the entire e-governance platform.
Reacting, Osagie, criticized the review, and described it as baseless and an attempt to undermine the digital reforms initiated by the previous administration.
He alleged that the new government’s approach, including reverting to paper-based processes, was “shameful, regressive, and an insult to Edo workers.”
He further defended the platform, stating it was managed by the Edo ICT Agency under the Ministry of Digital Economy, with consultant support ensuring efficiency in government operations.
“This irrational decision is not only shameful and regressive, but also an insult to the sensibilities of Edo workers and the people of the state.
“It further exposes the government’s cluelessness and lack of the depth and knowledge required for effective governance and administration in the 21st century.
“The platform is operated by the Edo ICT Agency, a parastatal under the Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, with the support of consultants, to ensure efficient system for government processesand operations,” Osagie said.