The Edo State Government has stepped up to support Governor Godwin Obaseki’s term as the most open and accountable in the state’s history. In reaction to what former governor Adams Oshiomhole said not long ago, this was done. Oshiomhole called for an investigation into Obaseki’s administration because it could be ending soon. The government’s position shows how tense things are politically between Obaseki and Oshiomhole. Both leaders keep criticising each other in public for their records and actions.
Governor Godwin Obaseki has been in office since 2016 and has often said that openness, responsibility, and good government are the most important things in his administration. The Edo State Government says that Obaseki’s time in office has been marked by a level of openness in the use of public resources and decision-making that has never been seen before. In response to what Oshiomhole said recently, the government said that the people can see how it spends money and follows through on its policies, which shows that it is committed to being accountable.
The Edo State Government made the comment after Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor, asked for an investigation into Obaseki’s government. Oshiomhole, who was governor before Obaseki, said that the people should be able to see how public funds were spent while Obaseki was in office. He said that a full investigation would clear up the state’s finances and make sure that all of its resources were being used properly. Many people saw Oshiomhole’s words as an attack on Obaseki because the two leaders have a history of being rivals, especially since Obaseki switched parties before his 2020 re-election campaign.
But the Edo State Government said that Oshiomhole’s call for an investigation was just a political move to make Obaseki’s accomplishments look bad. In its defence, the government pointed to a number of steps it had taken to be more open, such as creating an open budget system and making many government services digital. The government says these steps have made it easier for people to keep track of spending and understand how decisions are made, which has made people trust the government more.
The Edo State Government says that the Edo State Public Procurement Agency is a great example of Obaseki’s open government. This agency was created to make sure that public contracts are given out properly and without any bias. A clear set of rules for companies and the public to follow has helped the agency do a great job of stopping corruption in the procurement process. The government has also tried to get people involved in government by holding town hall meetings and public discussions. These have made it easier for people to have a say in how policies are made.
Even though Obaseki and Oshiomhole are still fighting over politics, many people in Edo State support Obaseki’s government, especially since they can see changes in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The government of Edo State says these improvements are the result of careful money management and a strong dedication to the people of the state. Obaseki’s fans say that the governor’s focus on technology-driven government and fight against corruption have made the state’s leaders better.
Oshiomhole and other critics, on the other hand, say that despite these claims, Obaseki’s government has failed in some areas. Oshiomhole has been vocal about what he sees as a lack of real progress in some areas. His latest call for an investigation shows that he is determined to bring these problems to people’s attention. Meanwhile, Obaseki’s government is still sure that the progress made in the last few years shows that it is committed to serving the people in an open and honest way.
The fight between Obaseki and Oshiomhole has definitely changed the way politics work in Edo State. Even though Obaseki’s time is almost over, the debate about how he ran the country is likely to continue, especially since the 2024 elections are coming up soon. The fact that Oshiomhole wants an investigation and the government is defending its record shows that there is a bigger fight for power in Edo State.
As the political drama plays out, people in Edo State are left to think about what both leaders left behind. One of the main points of disagreement is Obaseki’s administration’s focus on openness. This will be talked about a lot before the next election, whether there is an investigation or not.