Godwin Obaseki’s Media Aide Slams Governor Okpebholo’s Probes As Diversionary Circus

Crusoe Osagie, media aide to Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past governor of Edo State, has criticized the newly elected governor, Monday Okpebholo, for setting up a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to probe the Obaseki administration. In a strongly worded statement, Osagie described the move as a “laughable and utterly ridiculous” attempt to mask what he called Okpebholo’s incompetence and unpreparedness for governance.

Okpebholo, who recently assumed office, announced the committee as part of efforts to review the handover process and ensure transparency in government assets. However, Osagie has dismissed this as a smokescreen, alleging that the probes are diversionary and lack substance.

Probes as a “Circus of Meaningless Activities”

Osagie accused Okpebholo of relying on “cheap political theatrics” to distract the public from what he characterized as a lack of vision and clear developmental agenda. “The governor-select is embarking on a circus of meaningless probes since getting into office through what can only be described as the back door,” Osagie said. “From probing civil servants’ employment to ministries, departments, and agencies, and now government vehicles and assets, Okpebholo has shown he is bereft of ideas and is masking his unpreparedness for office.”

The media aide argued that Edo State’s citizens cannot be easily deceived by what he compared to a gladiatorial duel staged in the Roman Colosseum. “Okpebholo may succeed in fooling people in other states, but Edo people are wise and cannot be deceived by these diversionary tactics,” Osagie stated.

Defense of Obaseki’s Record

Osagie touted Obaseki’s achievements during his tenure, claiming that the former governor led one of the most transparent administrations in Nigeria’s history. “Under Obaseki’s leadership, the state achieved fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability, including the development of Edo State’s first-ever asset register,” he said.

The asset register, according to Osagie, was handed over to the new administration as part of the transition process. He further accused Okpebholo of attempting to rewrite the narrative around the transition to distract from his alleged failings.

Allegations of Political Vendetta

The statement also suggested that Okpebholo’s actions are driven by his “godfathers,” whom Osagie alleged are seeking revenge for being denied access to Edo’s resources during Obaseki’s administration. “Okpebholo is merely a tool in the hands of his many godfathers, who have been thirsty for vendetta,” he alleged.

Osagie warned that Edo people would hold Okpebholo accountable for his performance rather than his probes, which he described as a waste of state resources. “The governor-select’s tenure will be judged not by the noise it makes but by the impact it delivers,” he added.

Call to Action

The statement concluded with a call for Okpebholo to focus on governance and the welfare of Edo’s citizens. “We advise Okpebholo to channel his energy into delivering impactful governance rather than engaging in meaningless probes,” Osagie said.

Context of the Probes

The statement was issued in reaction to Governor Okpebholo’s announcement that Obaseki’s administration handed over scanty details about state assets. Okpebholo defended the probes as necessary for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. However, the escalating war of words highlights growing political tensions in Edo State, as both parties prepare for potential legal battles over the governorship.

Observers are closely watching how Okpebholo’s administration addresses these issues amid mounting scrutiny and allegations of a stolen mandate by the opposition.

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