By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has pushed back against what it described as a “pattern of misinformation” allegedly promoted by certain political actors, particularly the ‘factional’ chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Anthony Aziegbemi.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, on Friday, the government said recent comments credited to Aziegbemi reflect “a deep misunderstanding of basic administrative procedure,” especially regarding the operations of the State Tenders Board.
According to the statement, the Tenders Board, both at ministerial and state levels functions strictly under Nigeria’s procurement laws and is not subject to partisan influence.
Itua noted that each ministry operates its own statutory Tenders Board, comprising the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, and key Directors, while larger contract approvals fall to the State Executive Council, described as the apex Tenders Board. The government insists this arrangement mirrors the established process nationwide.
The statement criticized what it called an attempt by the PDP faction to “manufacture controversy,” linking it to efforts by figures loyal to the previous administration to “defend its failures.”
One of the examples cited was the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City under the past government and its replacement with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), which the current administration described as “a private venture masked as a cultural project.”
The government also dismissed claims of legacy achievements by the former administration, including references to an Agricultural Hub, the Tayo Akpata Education Hub, and free public WiFi, calling them “slogan-heavy and substance-light.”
Itua said the previous era was marked by “inflated rhetoric and glossy presentations,” which, according to him, failed to translate into measurable improvements for citizens.
In contrast, the Okpebholo administration maintained that it is prioritizing “real impact and accountability,” pointing to ongoing road works, renewed investment in healthcare, and efforts to strengthen civil service morale.
The government, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and people-centered development, noting that “no amount of revisionist commentary” would derail its agenda.