Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has criticized his successor, Monday Okpebholo, for shutting down the state’s e-governance platform. Obaseki described Okpebholo’s excuses for the shutdown as “shameful” and “regressive,” indicating a clueless government that insults the sensibilities of Edo workers and residents.
Okpebholo had claimed that the platform was being run by unknown non-state actors, posing a security risk. However, Obaseki countered that the platform is operated by the Edo ICT Agency, a parastatal under the Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, with expert consultants’ support.
Obaseki’s spokesman, Crusoe Osagie, stated that the shutdown decision exposes the government’s lack of depth and knowledge required for effective governance. He emphasized that the platform ensures a digital and efficient system for government processes and operations.
Obaseki also refuted allegations of no institutional memory, stating that all government data is stored in the state-owned Data Centre, built during his administration.He advised Okpebholo to follow the path of progress laid by his predecessor rather than eroding the state’s progress with illogical decisions.
