No contractor has paid bribes under my watch, says Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has revealed that no contractor in the state has paid any bribe to secure projects under his watch since he assumed office last year.

The governor, in the same vein, threatened to sack non-performing and incompetent contractors handling different projects across the state.

Governor Okpebholo made the remarks when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City, on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the IPAC delegation comprised chairmen of 17 political parties in Edo State.

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 transform their lives through meaningful development. 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 favouritism.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stressing that no contractor or political actor has influenced his decisions, adding, “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, stressing that the time for partisan politics was over and that governance must now take centre stage.

He added, “The elections are behind us. I am not the governor of APC; 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.

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

The Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party, Greg Igbinomwanhia, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, praised the governor for legacy projects, 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,” Igbinomwanhia stated.

“We also commend you for regularising appointments of over 5,000 teachers previously on contract. You have restored their dignity and confidence in government.”

Similarly, the Chairmen of the Labour Party and the Accord Party, Kelly
Ogbaloi and Hon. Joseph Omorogbe praised the pace and direction of the Okpebholo administration, describing his performance as both “impressive and inspiring.”

They appealed to the governor to sustain engagement with IPAC, emphasising that the council’s advisory role would help strengthen participatory governance in the state.

Present at the meeting were members of the All Progressives Congress, Accord Party, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party, and Action Alliance, among others.

Since assuming office in 2024, the governor has embarked on road projects and assured that others will get attention as soon as the rainy season is over.

He has also reclaimed government properties in private hands, renovated schools, and employed 5,000 teachers on a stipend of N65,000 per month, introduced by the immediate past government.