By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State is currently abuzz with a flurry of events, including the commissioning of projects and related political activities.
This surge in activity coincides with the efforts of the incumbent governor, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, who is demonstrating a commitment to finishing his term on a high note.
Meanwhile, the opposition APC in the state has launched a series of strong criticisms against Gov. Obaseki for the commissioning of the new state secretariat, which has been praised for its striking aesthetics and impressive functionality.
Notably, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan took the time to grace the occasion and formally commission the new secretariat during his visit to the state.
The new secretariat, prominently located in central Benin, stands as a marvel of modern architecture, boasting a continuous supply of power, a well-equipped banking hall, a top-notch daycare facility, and various other amenities designed to provide a conducive and efficient working environment for state civil servants.
However, the Edo State APC has sought to downplay the significance of the commissioning on the basis that was not originally built under the Obaseki administration'.
Some influential figures within the Edo APC, including Charles Idahosa, have vehemently criticized the governor's decision to commission the old secretariat he has given a substantial facelift.
Those familiar with the old secretariat can attest to its previous state of disrepair, dysfunction, and inaccessibility.
It is baffling how the state civil servants were able to accomplish meaningful tasks under such challenging conditions.
Furthermore, the dispersal of ministries and departments across the Benin metropolis posed a significant obstacle to effective coordination.
With the new and revamped secretariat now officially commissioned, all state ministries and departments have been consolidated into one location, resulting in considerable cost savings for the state government .
Commentators have rebuked the APC's condemnation as "misinformed and baseless," emphasizing the significant positive impact of the refurbished secretariat on the state's administrative efficiency.
The difference between the old inherited secretariat and the new one is as clear as daylight, as seen in the popular 7up advert pay off line.
Therefore, the attack by the APC is unwarranted and also uncalled for because it looks like a hatchet job to make Obaseki appear as a non-performer.
Also, the APC played the ostrich by pretending to overlook the fact that President Bola Tinubu commissioned some inherited projects as part of events to mark his first year in office.
Even more vexing is the selective amnesia displayed by the APC leaders, including the likes of Charles Idahosa and co who failed to remember that President Tinubu commissioned the Third Mainland bridge and the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, both in Lagos, but built by the military President Ibrahim Babangida, as part of the activities to mark his first year in office.
Closer to home, Comrade Adams Oshiomole marked his fifth anniversary as governor by commissioning the old Oba Market Road, Ogiesoba Road, Osuan Road, formerly known as the vegetable market road, and the Golf Course Road, now renamed Tom Ikimi Lane.
These roads were not built by the Oshiomole administration but were commissioned with fanfare by the administration.
The APC's media handlers have done a terrible job by the failure to fact-check and provide detailed historical background to aid their leaders in making reasoned judgments about government policies and events.
By launching such a baseless attack on Gov Obaseki, the Edo State APC has shown that it lacks scruples.
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