Former Governor Godwin Obaseki has publicly refuted claims made by the current governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the state's debt profile. The allegations, described by Obaseki as "a cocktail of complete falsehood," have prompted a call for transparency and accountability from the incumbent administration.
In a statement released to Naija News, Crusoe Osagie, media adviser to Obaseki, criticized Okpebholo's assertions as a diversionary tactic. "This falsehood by Okpebholo is a smokescreen to mask his incompetence, lack of ideas, and inability to perform in office," Osagie stated. He further clarified that the major debts owed by Edo State were loans from the World Bank, acquired during the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. These loans, according to Osagie, were judiciously managed by Obaseki over his eight-year administration, ensuring they were properly serviced and contained.
Osagie emphasized that the Obaseki administration left over ₦30billion in the state's account for the incoming government. He challenged the Okpebholo administration to provide concrete evidence of the alleged debts, including details of the creditors involved. "We therefore challenge the Okpebholo government to provide proof of debt that he claims the state owes, and to which institutions the government owes the debt," Osagie demanded.
The statement also addressed concerns about Okpebholo's readiness to govern, urging him to focus on building capacity and serving the people of Edo State. "As we have repeatedly pointed out, Okpebholo’s real challenge lies in his lack of capacity and unpreparedness for office," Osagie remarked. He advised the governor to concentrate on fulfilling his responsibilities rather than resorting to "unintelligent lies to score cheap political points."
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