Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has dismissed claims that he left a debt of N600 billion for the state at the end of his administration.
His reaction followed allegations made by the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, who questioned the financial records and legacy projects of the previous government.
Obaseki, through his Media Adviser Crusoe Osagie, described the allegations as false and harmful to the image of the state. He stated that such statements create a wrong perception of governance in Edo State and Nigeria at large. According to him, “They just come out and toss all kinds of irresponsible information out there. It gives the impression that the state is being governed by people who do not understand what it means to run a government.”
Responding specifically to the claims about the Radisson Hotel Edo project and the Museum of West African Arts MOWAA, Obaseki said the current administration was misinforming the public. He maintained that his government followed due process in executing its developmental plans and insisted that records were available for verification.
Obaseki added that it would be impossible for any state government to incur a debt of N600 billion without the knowledge of the Debt Management Office DMO. He stressed that “no government at any level has the capacity to enter into any debt arrangement without the approval of the DMO,” noting that all loan transactions were properly documented.
He further accused the current administration of spreading unverified claims that could discourage both local and foreign investors. He noted that Edo State enjoyed strong relationships with global institutions because his government ran transparent financial policies that earned the trust of development partners.
Obaseki urged the Edo State government to focus on governance rather than making statements that mislead the people and damage the state’s reputation. He emphasised that Edo people deserve truthful information and responsible leadership.
