… Says no contractor paid bribe to get project under his watch
… Pledges to deepen devt, transparency across Edo
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that his administration will not hesitate to sack any contractor or government official found to be incompetent, non-performing, or corrupt in the handling of state projects.
The governor stated this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Edo State at the Government House, Benin City, at the weekend.
Okpebholo, who was flanked by top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, said that since he assumed office, no contractor had paid any bribe to secure projects, insisting that his government operates a transparent and accountable procurement process.
“My mission is clear, to serve Edo people selflessly and transform their lives through meaningful development,” Okpebholo declared.
“We will not tolerate mediocrity. Any contractor who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out. Edo’s resources are for the people, not for compromise or favoritism.”
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, the governor said: “No one has paid a dime to secure contracts under my government. I personally monitor projects and revoke contracts when necessary. Members of my administration will not be spared if they are involved in corrupt practices.”
Okpebholo urged IPAC to support his administration’s reform agenda, stressing that governance must now take precedence over politics.
“The elections are behind us. I am the governor of all Edo people, not APC alone. Let us unite to build the state we can all be proud of,” he said.
He restated his commitment to the SHINE Agenda, focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education — noting that development, not division, would define his tenure.
“When I leave office, I want to return to my village and live among my people with pride, knowing I left Edo better than I met it,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to rally political support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging IPAC to mobilise Edo’s 3.5 million eligible voters behind the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, commended the governor for embarking on landmark projects, including the ongoing Ramat Park Flyover, which he described as “a bridge of hope that will outlive your administration.”
“You have started remarkably well, Your Excellency,” Igbinomwanhia said.
“We also commend you for regularising the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously on contract. You have restored their dignity and confidence in government.”
Similarly, the Chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP), Kelly Ogbaloi and Hon. Joseph Omorogbe, described Okpebholo’s performance as “impressive and inspiring,” and called for sustained engagement with IPAC to strengthen participatory governance in Edo State.
The IPAC delegation included chairmen of 17 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Action Alliance (AA).