Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that no contractor in the state has paid any bribe to secure government projects since he assumed office last year.
The governor, who also warned that non-performing and incompetent contractors risk immediate sack, made the remarks when the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Edo State paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, on Saturday.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the IPAC delegation comprised chairmen of 17 political parties in the state.
Governor Okpebholo, flanked by top leaders of the All Progressives Congress, thanked the council for its goodwill and pledged to deepen development across Edo. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, service, and inclusive governance.
“My mission is clear — to serve Edo people selflessly and to 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,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, Okpebholo stressed that no contractor or political actor had influenced his decisions.
“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, adding that even members of his administration would not be spared if found guilty of corrupt practices.
The governor called on IPAC to remain partners in progress, emphasising that the time for partisan politics was over and that governance must now take center stage.
“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.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the SHINE Agenda, which focuses on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education, noting that Edo’s future depends on collective effort, transparency, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
“Your presence today gives me hope. Together, we can deliver good governance, restore confidence, and bring enduring prosperity to Edo people,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party, Greg Igbinomwanhia, commended the governor for embarking on legacy projects, particularly 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 said.
“We also commend you for regularising the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously on contract. You have restored their dignity and confidence in government.”
Similarly, the Chairmen of the Labour Party and 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 his engagement with IPAC, emphasising that the Council’s advisory role would strengthen participatory governance in the state.
Political parties represented at the meeting included the All Progressives Congress, Accord Party, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Young Progressives Party, and Action Alliance, among others.
