Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that no contractor in the State has paid any form of bribe to secure government projects since he assumed office last year.
The Governor made this known when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Edo State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, over the weekend.
Okpebholo, who was flanked by top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, warning that contractors who fail to deliver quality projects will be sanctioned.
“My mission is clear — to serve Edo people selflessly and transform their lives through meaningful development,” the Governor said. “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 favoritism.”
He emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stating that neither contractors nor political actors have influenced his decisions.
“No one has paid a dime to secure contracts under my government,” he said. “I monitor projects personally and revoke contracts when necessary. That is how accountability works. Even members of my administration will not be spared if found guilty of corruption.”
The Governor called on IPAC to partner with his administration in promoting unity and development across the State, stressing that the era of partisan politics was over.
“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,” Okpebholo stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to the SHINE Agenda — focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education — Okpebholo said his vision is to leave a legacy of progress that future generations will celebrate.
“Our focus is development, not division,” he said. “When I leave office, I want to return to my village and live among my people with pride, knowing that I left Edo better than I met it.”
The Governor also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging IPAC to mobilize Edo’s 3.5 million eligible voters for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Your presence today gives me hope,” Okpebholo said. “Together, we can deliver good governance, restore confidence, and bring lasting prosperity to Edo people.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, commended Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides, especially the ongoing Ramat Park Flyover, which he described as “a signature project that symbolizes progress and foresight.”
“You have started remarkably well, Your Excellency,” Igbinomwanhia noted. “The Ramat Park Flyover is not just a bridge of concrete but a bridge of hope that will outlive your administration. We also commend your decision to regularize the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously on contract — you have restored their dignity and confidence in government.”
He assured the Governor of IPAC’s continued collaboration with his administration, noting that the Council was convinced of his sincerity and commitment to Edo’s progress.
Similarly, the Chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP), Kelly Ogbaloi and Hon. Joseph Omorogbe, applauded the pace and direction of the Okpebholo administration, describing his leadership as “impressive and inspiring.”
They also appealed to the Governor to sustain engagement with IPAC, saying the Council’s advisory role would help deepen participatory governance in the State.
The IPAC delegation comprised chairmen of 17 registered political parties in Edo State, including the APC, LP, APGA, Accord Party, YPP, and Action Alliance (AA), among others.
