The decision of the Monday Okpebholo-led government to return to the automated and technology-based revenue collection system developed by His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is exactly what they should have done from the onset of their clueless government, rather than wasting the State’s limited resources on meaningless probes and witch hunts.

The system, which was widely acclaimed, not only ended direct cash payments with respect to revenue collection, putting an end to leakages in revenue collection across the State but also enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the system. This revolution in revenue administration was largely responsible for the 370 percent growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) during his eight-year tenure, with the State’s revenue rising to nearly N80 billion by the third quarter of 2024, up from N23.64 billion at the start of his administration.

Now that the Monday Okpebholo-led government has finally decided to put on their thinking cap and build on the foundations laid by the outgone governor, whose nuanced choices and efforts repositioned the State as a competitive sub-national entity, we urge them to extend this approach to other areas and sectors of the State, ensuring that the State continues to thrive on the path of development and prosperity.

We had earlier predicted that deviating from these proven systems laid by the immediate-past governor would spell doom, including a plunge in revenue. True to this, the State's revenue crashed, dropping to less than N2 billion a month from about N8bn monthly after they attempted to deploy their lions and tigers into the system. Now, faced with the harsh reality of plummeting revenues, the Monday Okpebholo administration has now reverted to Obaseki’s electronic template for revenue collection and administration.

It bears repeating to state that this is the path they ought to have taken since they got into office on November 12, 2024, rather than chasing their own tails in pursuit of meaningless probes and resorting to unintelligent lies to tarnish the image and sterling legacy of the former governor.

If they had been thinking clearly, they would have invested the time spent on meaningless probes and blame games into understanding the work Obaseki did over the last eight years in reinventing the State, and, if possible, exploring ways to build upon these achievements.

Had they been this wise, they would have spent that time expended pursuing meaningless probes on studying the transition document handed over to their government and understanding the very sophisticated system put in place by the Obaseki-led administration, and leveraging same to propel the growth of the State and its economy.

We urge Monday Okpebholo and his handlers to set aside their pride and explore the advanced administrative methods already established by the immediate-past governor, Godwin Obaseki. If possible, they should reach out to him for counsel on how to further enhance governance and economic growth in the state.

Edo State belongs to us all, and as political leaders, our primary responsibility is to work in the best interest and benefit of the people of Edo State, regardless of our personal or political differences.

Crusoe Osagie, Media Aide to His Excellency, Mr.Godwin Obaseki, Governor, Edo State (2016-2024)