Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has stated that no contractor in the state has paid any bribe to obtain projects under his administration since he took office last year.
At the same time, the governor issued a stern warning that he would dismiss any non-performing or incompetent contractors handling various projects across the state.
Governor Okpebholo made these remarks when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Edo State visited him on a courtesy call at the Government House in Benin City on Saturday.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the IPAC delegation included chairmen representing 17 political parties in Edo State.
Flanked by senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo expressed gratitude to IPAC for its goodwill and promised to intensify efforts towards the state’s development.
He reaffirmed that his administration remains fully dedicated to transparency, service delivery, and inclusive governance.
“My mission is clear: to serve Edo people selflessly and transform their lives through meaningful development. We will not tolerate mediocrity. Any contractor who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out. Edo’s resources are for the people, not for compromise or favouritism.”
The governor restated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, insisting that no contractor or political figure has influenced his decisions. He further declared, “Members of my administration will not be saved if they are involved in any corrupt activities.”
“No one has paid a dime to secure contracts under my government. I monitor projects personally and revoke contracts when necessary. This is how accountability works,” he asserted.
He urged IPAC to continue to act as partners in progress, noting that the time for partisan politics had passed and that the focus should now be on governance.
He added, “The elections are behind us. I am not the governor of APC; I am the governor of all Edo people. Let us unite to build the state we can all be proud of,” Okpebholo stated.
The governor reiterated his commitment to the SHINE Agenda, which prioritises security, health, infrastructure, nutrition and agriculture, as well as education.
He emphasised that Edo’s progress depends on unity, transparency, and a collective vision for growth.
“Your presence today gives me hope. Together, we can deliver good governance, restore confidence, and bring enduring prosperity to the Edo people.”
The Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, commended the governor for his impactful projects, particularly the Ramat Park Flyover, describing it as a “signature infrastructure that will stand as a lasting symbol of progress and foresight.”
“You have started remarkably well, Your Excellency. The Ramat Park Flyover is not just a bridge of concrete; it is a bridge of hope that will outlive your administration,” Igbinomwanhia stated.
“We also commend you for regularising appointments of over 5,000 teachers previously on contract. You have restored their dignity and confidence in government.”
Likewise, the Chairmen of the Labour Party and Accord Party, Kelly Ogbaloi and Hon. Joseph Omorogbe, lauded the speed and direction of the Okpebholo administration, describing his leadership as both “impressive and inspiring.”
They urged the governor to continue engaging with IPAC, pointing out that the council’s advisory function would enhance participatory governance in the state.
In attendance at the meeting were members of the All Progressives Congress, Accord Party, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party, and Action Alliance, among others.
Since taking office in 2024, the governor has embarked on several road construction projects and assured that more roads would be addressed once the rainy season ends.
He has also reclaimed government-owned properties from private possession, renovated schools, and employed 5,000 teachers on a monthly stipend of N65,000, introduced by the previous administration.
