Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that no contractor in the state has paid any bribe to secure any projects under his watch since he assumed office last year.
The governor, in the same vein, has threatened to sack non-performing and incompetent contractors handling different projects across the state.
Okpebholo made the remarks when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Edo State paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Benin City, at the weekend.
The IPAC delegation was comprised of chairmen of 17 political parties in Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo, flanked by top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), thanked IPAC for its goodwill and pledged to deepen development across Edo. He assured that his administration remains firmly committed to transparency, service, and inclusive governance.
“My mission is clear; to serve Edo people selflessly and to transform their lives through meaningful development,” the governor said.
“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 favoritism.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stressing that no contractor or political actor has influenced his decisions. “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 called on IPAC to remain partners in progress, emphasising that the time for partisan politics was over and that governance must now take the centre stage.
“The elections are behind us. I am not the Governor of APC alone; 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, focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education. He noted that Edo’s future depends on collective effort, transparency, and a shared vision for development.
“Our focus is development, not division,” he said. “When I leave office, I want to return to my village and live among my people with pride, knowing that I left Edo better than I met it.”
Governor Okpebholo also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, calling on IPAC to work collectively toward mobilizing Edo’s 3.5 million eligible voters in support of the president’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Your presence today gives me hope,” the governor concluded. “Together, we can deliver good governance, restore confidence, and bring enduring prosperity to Edo people.”
The chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, lauded the governor for embarking on legacy projects, most notably the Ramat Park Flyover, which he described 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.
“We also commend you for regularizing the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously on contract. You have restored their dignity and confidence in government,” he said.
He reaffirmed IPAC’s readiness to collaborate with the administration, noting that the Council is convinced of the Governor’s sincerity and commitment to the welfare of Edo people. “We are proud to support you because your actions speak of integrity, vision, and courage,” he said.
Similarly, the chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP), Kelly Ogbaloi, and Hon. Joseph Omorogbe praised the pace and direction of the Okpebholo administration, describing his performance as both “impressive and inspiring.”
