The Edo State Government has said contractors engaged by former governor Godwin Obaseki are yet to be paid because projects executed under the previous administration are still undergoing verification.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, stated this during a press briefing in Benin City, noting that the government would not rush into settling contractors without first confirming completed works.
He said projects executed by contractors under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration were not affected, adding that they were being paid regularly based on approved certificates and available funds.
According to Afegbua, Governor Okpebholo ensures resources are available before embarking on infrastructure projects, particularly road construction.
The commissioner also reiterated the state government’s crackdown on cultism, warning that more properties linked to suspected cultists would be demolished as part of efforts to deter criminal activities.
He added that suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “yahoo boys,” could face similar sanctions, alleging that some now hide under cybercrime activities while engaging in cult-related crimes.
Speaking on transportation, Afegbua announced that the state had received 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses with a seating capacity of 52 passengers each to improve movement across the state.
He said the buses would soon be deployed across Edo’s three senatorial districts, adding that the government was expecting another batch of 50 buses to bring the total fleet to 100.
