The Edo State Government has said the current administration has been the most transparent and accountable in the history of the state.
A former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday, called for the probe of Governor Godwin Obaseki as his administration winds down in about two months’ time.
Oshiomhole made the call as the winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, was presented with his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Oshiomhole urged the World Bank to probe Obaseki’s use of its $75m fund for the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation.
“All the fraud that Obaseki was doing with so-called World Bank money, and I think the World Bank will want even to investigate what he did with that money when you have schools without teachers and you are doing EdoBEST. He left Edo worse,” Oshiomhole said.
However, in a statement on Friday, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said Governor Godwin Obaseki, observed due process in the award of contracts among many other transparent initiatives.
He said, “I would like to emphasize that Governor Obaseki’s administration has been the most transparent and accountable in Edo State ever.
“The government has adhered to due process in the award and execution of contracts, while the pricing and procurement processes have received numerous accolades both nationally and internationally.”
He added “One of our staff members is currently in Liberia to help replicate Edo State’s exemplary procurement processes. Various agencies, including the World Bank under the SFTAS programme, gave our government, Public Expenditure Efficiency Award, (The only state in the Federation) and Fiscal Transparency And Accountability Award (first among 5 States)as well as ICAN, have recognized Governor Obaseki with awards for his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Edo State has experienced unprecedented levels of resource utilization, ensuring value for money. Our data and documentation regarding government activities are accessible at our data centre located in the Government House.
“Every action taken has been in the best interest of the Edo people, and we have the authority as their elected government to do so.
“Unlike former Governor Oshiomhole, who was shielded from scrutiny, Governor Obaseki welcomes accountability and does not hide behind others.”