Edo govt rejects APC’s handover claims, accuses opposition of unpreparedness

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has dismissed allegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition team, asserting that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration runs one of the most transparent and prudent governments in Nigeria.

Nehikhare addressed journalists in Benin City, criticizing the APC transition committee, led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their absence at the joint transition session for the second consecutive day, refuting claims that the government’s team failed to provide necessary documents.

Nehikhare revealed that the Edo State Government had supplied both digital and hardcopy documents to the APC team, who he said were “overwhelmed” by the extensive documentation of projects and achievements over the past eight years.

Displaying some of the hardcopy documents, Nehikhare emphasized that the APC members must understand that their role is as a transition committee, not an inquisition team.

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“We are fully prepared for the transition,” Nehikhare declared, adding that the Edo State Government provided the APC with a comprehensive timetable to guide the transition process.

According to Nehikhare, the transition committee from the opposition failed to show readiness, despite being provided with both digital and hard copies of the state’s achievements.

He claimed that the APC team had complained about the digital format and requested hardcopies, which were promptly provided, with additional copies printed when they expanded their committee size.

The commissioner expressed frustration at the opposition’s failure to engage with the government’s documentation, accusing them of turning the transition process into an interrogation rather than a review of achievements.

He noted that during the last gubernatorial election, the APC had falsely claimed that the Obaseki administration had no significant projects, but now they find themselves confronted with substantial evidence, including pictures, data, and project reports.

Nehikhare reassured Edo citizens that the government is committed to a smooth handover and accused the APC of misrepresenting the situation for political gain.

He highlighted that the government’s e-governance platform and the state’s asset register are fully transparent and available for scrutiny, emphasizing that all financial transactions and assets are accounted for.

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The commissioner reiterated that the Edo State Government has nothing to hide, adding, “We are here every day, ready to provide them with all the information they need.

The transition process will be conducted smoothly, and the governor will deliver a detailed handover note to his successor as is the global standard.”

Nehikhare also condemned any attempts to tarnish the image of the Obaseki administration, stating that the government had received numerous awards for its transparency and governance.

He concluded by urging the APC transition team to focus on the task at hand rather than raising unnecessary questions, assuring them that the administration is fully committed to assisting in the transition process.