The political landscape of Edo State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a contentious debate over alleged debts left by the former Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Crusoe Osagie, a media aide to Obaseki, has vehemently denied claims made by Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo and his team that Obaseki left behind a staggering N200 billion debt owed to contractors. Osagie characterized these allegations as a baseless and desperate attempt to tarnish Obaseki’s legacy, accusing Okpebholo and his handlers of displaying a profound lack of understanding of fundamental economic and governance principles.
Central to the dispute is the nature of Obaseki’s financial management during his tenure. Osagie argues that the Obaseki administration adhered strictly to public procurement laws and implemented an e-procurement model that received national and international acclaim. He emphasized the transparency and accountability of the procurement system, citing recognition from the World Bank, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and the Federal Government, which lauded Edo State as a model for procurement practices. Osagie further contends that any contract variations were executed with due process and integrity. He challenges the current administration to substantiate their claims with concrete evidence, emphasizing the verifiable nature of the records from Obaseki’s tenure.
Osagie addressed specific projects highlighted by the Okpebholo administration. Regarding the Radisson Hotel Project, Osagie defended the Obaseki government’s approach, emphasizing its role in facilitating private investment by removing bottlenecks. He argued that the government’s minority shareholding in the project aligns with best practices, promoting private sector leadership while ensuring public interest. Similarly, Osagie defended the government’s investment in MOWAA, a digital platform, without delving into specific details.
The controversy also extends to cybersecurity expenditures. Osagie maintains that the investment in cybersecurity is crucial for a government operating on a digital platform, aligning with global trends in workplace security. He suggested that the Okpebholo administration might lack understanding in this area and encouraged them to consult international organizations or even seek guidance from Obaseki himself.
Osagie’s defense of Obaseki’s financial management pivots around the implementation of an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO). This mechanism, according to Osagie, ensured that contractors received guaranteed monthly installment payments for ongoing projects. This approach, he argues, allowed for simultaneous execution of multiple projects without accumulating unsustainable debt. He refrained from confirming the exact figures presented by Dr. Ernest Afolabi-Umakhihe, a former Federal Government Permanent Secretary who allegedly provided the N200 billion debt figure, but acknowledged the numerous projects undertaken during Obaseki’s tenure.
The unfolding dispute in Edo State underscores the complexities of transitioning between administrations and the challenges of accurately assessing financial liabilities. Osagie’s response emphasizes the need for thorough investigation and a nuanced understanding of complex financial arrangements before making accusations of mismanagement. He portrays the Obaseki administration as a fiscally responsible government that adhered to best practices and implemented innovative solutions, while suggesting that the current administration may be misinterpreting standard financial procedures. The clashing narratives underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in public finance and the potential for political motivations to influence interpretations of financial data.
