Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has strongly criticized his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, for shutting down the state’s e-governance platform. Obaseki described the action as “shameful and regressive,” accusing the current administration of lacking the capacity to manage the digital system effectively.
Okpebholo Orders Review Amid Concerns Over Platform Control
Governor Okpebholo, in a statement through Secretary to the State Government Umar Ikhilor, justified the shutdown by claiming the e-governance platform was being operated from the backend by “unknown non-state actors.” He ordered an immediate review of the platform while directing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to continue using it until the review is complete.
“The entire e-governance platform is being run by unidentified individuals outside the public service,” Okpebholo stated, emphasizing the need for administrative control and transparency.
Obaseki Fires Back, Defends Platform Integrity
Responding on Tuesday, Obaseki, through his spokesperson Crusoe Osagie, dismissed Okpebholo’s allegations as baseless and a reflection of an unprepared government. He asserted that the platform was securely managed by the Edo ICT Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of Digital Economy, with support from expert consultants.
Obaseki called Okpebholo’s decision an insult to Edo workers and the state’s progress in digital governance.
“It is disappointing and ridiculous that the government has reverted to paper files to run operations,” Obaseki said. “This decision is not only shameful but exposes the administration’s cluelessness and inability to manage 21st-century governance systems.”
Claims of Institutional Memory and Sacked Civil Servants
Obaseki also criticized Okpebholo’s alleged dismissal of senior civil servants who were instrumental in managing the e-governance platform. He argued that the sackings had crippled the government’s ability to operate the digital system effectively.
“Had this government not embarked on indiscriminate sackings, officials responsible for the platform would have been available to provide training and explanations. Instead, they’ve chosen a path of destruction and poor decision-making,” Obaseki alleged.
The former governor further refuted claims of a lack of institutional memory, highlighting that all government data is securely stored in the state-owned Data Centre, commissioned during his administration and located within the Government House premises.
E-Governance Legacy and Call for Continuity
Obaseki defended his administration’s efforts to modernize Edo State through innovative governance systems, including the e-governance platform. He urged the current administration to build on these achievements rather than dismantle them.
“For eight years, we focused on nuanced policies and programs that placed Edo on the path of progress and prosperity,” Obaseki stated. “If the current administration lacks vision or a clear plan, it should at least sustain the progress we made rather than erode it with illogical policies.”
A Brewing Political Rift
This development highlights growing tensions between the two administrations, with Obaseki accusing Okpebholo of reversing critical reforms. Analysts suggest this feud could impact the state’s governance and public service delivery if left unresolved.
Governor Okpebholo has yet to respond to Obaseki’s remarks, but the controversy underscores the challenges of leadership transitions and continuity in policy implementation.
