Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has dismissed as baseless the petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) published in The Nation newspaper of yesterday, Tuesday, August 4, 2020, in which one Andrew Egboigbe, who is said to be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 3, Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State, accused the Governor of unfair award of contracts to companies.

“The allegation is false and a feeble attempt to tarnish the image of the Edo State Governor. Edo State under Governor Obaseki, prides herself as one of the most transparent states in the management of her finances.

“As a matter of fact, Edo has been rated highly by the World Bank and other development institutions for her openness and transparency in the allocation of scarce resources, beginning with the process of making her budget, awards of contracts and release of funds to contractors,” Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, said yesterday in reaction to the publication.

He added in a statement: “We understand that in the electioneering times we are in, such bogus and baseless claims will be sponsored by members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and their allies, who are threatened by Governor Obaseki’s growing popularity and democratic credentials predicated on his sterling performance in all the sectors of the state.

“As we head into the election, our eyes are constantly on the ball and we will not be distracted by such falsehoods.”