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Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has dismissed allegations of corruption made by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on Sunday, Osagie accused the APC of using diversionary tactics ahead of the September 21 poll, alleging that the accusations were baseless and politically motivated.
The APC, led by acting Chairman Jarret Tenebe, recently called for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged corrupt practices by top officials in Obaseki’s administration. Tenebe specifically questioned the governor’s plan to transition to a paperless administration, suggesting it was a scheme to destroy incriminating documents. He also raised concerns about the N28 billion expenditure on a five-star hotel, claiming the project was already near completion when the state government took it over.
Osagie, in response, criticized the APC for what he described as an ill-conceived press conference aimed at misleading the Edo public. He argued that the party’s real objective was to divert attention from their own shortcomings and the lack of a viable candidate for the upcoming governorship election.
“The shameful event is aimed at cajoling the Edo people and fruitlessly staging a strawman’s argument aimed at winning support for their lacklustre and tepid candidate in the September 21 Edo governorship election,” Osagie stated.
He defended the government’s initiatives, particularly the e-governance Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which he said was designed to enhance transparency and accountability. Osagie accused the APC of fearing the system’s potential to curb corruption, stating, “They are out to demonise the system so that they can nurture the idea of hiding files, demanding for bribes for government processes to be hastened and feed fat on an old, dubious and opaque system of administration.”
Addressing the investment in Radisson Hotel, Osagie emphasized its importance in boosting the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors. He noted that Edo currently has only one international hospitality chain, Protea by Marriot, and that the addition of Radisson would enhance the state’s ability to host international events.
Osagie concluded by urging the public to see through the APC’s tactics, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to transparency and progress.
