BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has strongly rebutted recent criticisms made by former commissioner Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, describing his remarks on Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first six months in office as “infantile, misleading, and politically motivated.”
In a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the government accused Ifaluyi-Isibor of peddling misinformation and downplaying the “measurable and people-centered progress” achieved under the current administration.
Responding to Ifaluyi-Isibor’s publication titled “Six Months With Plenty Movement(d) With No Tangible Thrust Applied (f) and So, Zero Work(W) Done,” the state government stated that Governor Okpebholo has taken decisive steps to restore dignity to the civil service and address systemic issues left behind by previous administrations.
“Governance is not about media theatrics. It is about measurable impact, structural reforms, and a deliberate effort to correct administrative misalignment,” the statement read.
Among the key achievements listed by the government in the first six months of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure are:
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Prompt salary payments — workers now receive salaries by the 26th of each month, with April’s payment made before Easter.
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13th month salary paid to all civil servants in December 2024.
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Merit-based appointments, including the promotion of permanent secretaries from within the civil service.
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Elimination of external consultants that previously dominated core government functions.
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Minimum wage increase to ₦75,000, placing Edo among the few states to implement such a policy.
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Direct employment of 1,000 cleaners into the civil service at full minimum wage.
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Mass recruitment drive across education, healthcare, and engineering sectors — with over 2,000 jobs created.
The administration further emphasized that contrary to claims of stagnation, there has been a notable revival in the civil service marked by improved work ethics, punctuality, and efficiency.
On education, the state noted the recruitment of new teachers and ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving performance in future national assessments. In the health sector, ongoing recruitment of medical professionals and rehabilitation of primary health centers were cited as evidence of focused investment in human development.
The government also addressed claims surrounding public transport, investments, and security, stating that existing initiatives are being consolidated and expanded through strategic partnerships — especially in agriculture and infrastructure development.
On allegations linking the administration to cultism and hooliganism, the government described the claims as “defamatory and dangerous,” adding that Governor Okpebholo has consistently supported security agencies in the fight against criminality.
“To suggest that this administration harbors cultists is not only defamatory — it’s dangerous,” the statement said.
Concluding, the government asserted that the ongoing reforms and actions taken by Governor Okpebholo are already yielding tangible benefits for the people of Edo.
“Joy is not coming — joy is here. It is in the timely salaries, the new jobs, the restoration of civil service dignity, and the steady, measurable progress being made,” Itua stated.
The statement called on Edo residents to remain focused and hopeful, assuring them that the current administration remains committed to inclusive governance and lasting change.
