Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that no contractor has paid any bribe to secure government projects under his administration.
The governor also vowed to dismiss any contractor who fails to deliver on project specifications or perform to expected standards.
Governor Okpebholo made the statement while receiving members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City. The IPAC delegation comprised chairmen of 17 registered political parties in Edo State.
Flanked by top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo thanked IPAC for its visit and reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-focused governance.
“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 standards will be replaced. Edo’s resources are for the people, not for compromise or favoritism.”
The governor emphasized that his administration maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for corruption, insisting that no individual or contractor has influenced contract awards through bribery.
“No one has paid a dime to secure contracts under my government,” he stated. “I monitor projects personally and revoke contracts when necessary. That is how accountability works.”
Okpebholo urged IPAC to partner with his administration in promoting unity and development across the state, stressing that the era of political rivalry should give way to collective progress.
“I am not the governor of APC alone; I am the governor of all Edo people,” he said. “Let us unite to build a state we can all be proud of.”
Reaffirming his administration’s SHINE Agenda focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition and Agriculture, and Education the governor said Edo’s progress depends on collaboration, integrity, and vision.
He also called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, urging IPAC to help mobilize Edo’s 3.5 million eligible voters in support of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Greg Igbinomwanhia, commended the governor for his “legacy projects,” particularly the ongoing Ramat Park Flyover, which he described as “a bridge of hope that will outlive this administration.”
“You have started remarkably well,” Igbinomwanhia said. “We also commend your decision to regularize the appointments of over 5,000 teachers. You have restored their dignity and trust in government.”
Leaders of the Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP), Kelly Ogbaloi and Joseph Omorogbe, also lauded the governor’s performance, describing it as “impressive and inspiring.” They called for continued collaboration between IPAC and the state government to strengthen participatory governance.