By Ayo Kehinde
Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has criticised his successor, Monday Okpebholo, for shutting down the state’s e-governance platform, cautioning him against reversing the strides made in digital governance.
Okpebholo had announced the suspension of the platform on Monday, citing concerns over its control by “unknown non-state actors” from the backend, leaving civil service officials without administrative oversight.
He ordered an immediate review but instructed ministries, departments, and agencies to continue using the system pending the review’s conclusion.
Reacting on Tuesday through his spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, the former governor condemned the decision, describing it as regressive and a disservice to Edo workers and citizens.
He characterised the move as a hallmark of disorganisation, urging the new administration to focus on governance rather than dismantling effective systems.
Obaseki clarified that the e-governance platform was managed by the Edo ICT Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of Digital Economy, with oversight from expert consultants.
“This irrational decision is not only shameful and regressive but also an insult to the sensibilities of Edo workers and the people of the state. It further exposes the government’s cluelessness and lack of depth required for effective governance and administration in the 21st century,” he said.
He added that the platform had facilitated efficient government operations, and the dismissal of key civil servants in the ICT agency under Okpebholo’s administration had disrupted its smooth functioning.
Obaseki dismissed Okpebholo’s claims of a lack of institutional memory, asserting that all government data was securely stored at the state-owned Data Centre established during his tenure.
“For eight years, the immediate past governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, focused on nuanced policies and programmes to lay a solid foundation for the state, placing it on the path of progress and prosperity,” the statement read.
Obaseki urged the governor to build on existing foundations rather than erode past gains with what he described as “illogical and poorly thought-out decisions.”
The former governor emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, warning that dismantling functional systems would undermine progress.
He urged Okpebholo to chart a vision for the state rather than disrupt advancements made in governance over the past few years.
