“Any contractor who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out” — Edo Gov. Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has boldly declared that no contractor has paid any bribe to secure government projects since he assumed office last year, reaffirming his administration’s uncompromising stance on transparency and accountability.

Speaking when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), comprising chairmen of 17 political parties, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City, the Governor emphasized that “Edo’s resources are for the people, not for compromise or favoritism.”

Governor Okpebholo, flanked by top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowed to dismiss non-performing and incompetent contractors, stressing that mediocrity has no place in his administration.

“My mission is clear, to serve Edo people selflessly and transform their lives through meaningful development,” the Governor stated. “Any contractor who fails to meet project specifications will be shown the way out.”

He added that his government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, affirming that no contractor or political actor has influenced his decisions.

“No one has paid a dime to secure contracts under my watch. I monitor projects personally and revoke contracts when necessary. This is how accountability works,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo urged IPAC to partner with his administration in driving development beyond partisan lines.

“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.”

Reiterating his commitment to the SHINE Agenda, focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education, the Governor said Edo’s future depends on collective effort, transparency, and a shared vision.

“Our focus is development, not division. When I leave office, I want to return to my village with pride, knowing that I left Edo better than I met it.”

Governor Okpebholo also drummed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, calling on IPAC to mobilize Edo’s 3.5 million eligible voters for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Your presence today gives me hope,” he told the visiting party leaders. “Together, we can deliver good governance, restore confidence, and bring enduring prosperity to Edo people.”

Responding, Greg Igbinomwanhia, Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and leader of the delegation, praised the Governor’s bold reforms and cited the ongoing Ramat Park Flyover as a “signature infrastructure project that symbolizes progress and foresight.”

“The Ramat Park Flyover is not just a bridge of concrete; it is a bridge of hope that will outlive your administration,” Igbinomwanhia said, commending the Governor for regularizing the appointments of over 5,000 teachers.

Other IPAC members, including Labour Party Chairman Kelly Ogbaloi and Accord Party Chairman Hon. Joseph Omorogbe, lauded Okpebholo’s early strides, describing his performance as “impressive and inspiring.”

They urged continued engagement with IPAC to strengthen participatory governance and deepen democratic inclusion in Edo State.

The delegation included leaders of the APC, Accord Party, Labour Party, APGA, YPP, and Action Alliance, among others.