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A Legacy That Deserves Recognition, Assessment and Accountability
Leadership is not measured merely by political speeches, campaign promises or the ability to criticise those who came before. It is measured by the policies introduced, institutions strengthened, projects executed, public resources managed and the lasting impact of governance on the lives of ordinary citizens.
By this standard, the eight-year administration of former Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, deserves serious consideration in any honest assessment of the state's political and developmental history.
Between 2016 and 2024, Obaseki led Edo State through a period marked by significant policy reforms, infrastructure development, institutional restructuring and efforts to modernise public administration. His administration pursued an ambitious development agenda aimed at repositioning Edo for economic growth and improved public service delivery.
One of the most notable achievements was the introduction of the EdoBEST education reform programme, which sought to transform basic education through technology, teacher development, improved classroom instruction and stronger monitoring mechanisms. The initiative placed Edo among the states pursuing technology-driven approaches to public education.
Beyond education, the Obaseki administration pursued civil service reforms intended to improve efficiency, accountability and professionalism in government. Investments in public administration, including the development of the Edo State Secretariat, reflected an effort to strengthen the institutional foundation of governance.
Infrastructure and economic development also featured prominently in the administration's agenda. Projects and initiatives such as the Ossiomo Power project, efforts towards modular refinery development, road construction and improvements in healthcare infrastructure formed part of its broader ambition to expand economic opportunities and improve the state's capacity to deliver essential services.
Financial management remains another important dimension of the Obaseki years.
Available budget figures cited in discussions of the administration indicate that Edo State operated within substantial budgetary frameworks throughout the period. The original annual budgets between 2017 and 2024 reportedly amounted to approximately ₦1.72 trillion, while the broader combined budget figure cited for 2016 to 2024 stands at approximately ₦1.83 trillion.
These figures deserve careful examination alongside actual revenue receipts, budget performance reports, capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, project completion records and independent financial audits. After all, approving a budget is one thing; translating public allocations into tangible development is another.
However, no administration should be judged exclusively by its successes. Every government has its shortcomings, unfinished projects, policy challenges and areas requiring improvement. Obaseki's eight years in office should therefore be subjected to the same objective scrutiny expected of every democratic government.
But fairness demands consistency.
If the achievements, policies and financial decisions of a former governor must be examined, the performance of the current administration must also be evaluated with equal seriousness. Edo people deserve to know what has been achieved, what has been completed, how public funds have been spent and whether campaign promises are translating into measurable improvements in their lives.
It is not enough for a government to inherit projects, criticise its predecessor or make fresh promises. Citizens want functioning hospitals, quality schools, accessible roads, employment opportunities, reliable electricity, stronger institutions and responsible management of public resources.
The present administration must understand that governance is not a competition in political propaganda. It is a responsibility to deliver results.
Eight years of Obaseki's leadership should not be reduced to political arguments or dismissed through partisan narratives. His policies, projects, achievements and shortcomings deserve a balanced historical assessment. Equally, the current government must be judged by what it is delivering today, not by what it promises to accomplish tomorrow.
Ultimately, Edo State belongs to its people, not to any political party, governor or administration.
The real question is not who speaks the loudest or who criticises the most. The real question is: who is delivering measurable development, protecting public resources and building institutions that will benefit generations of Edo people?
That is the standard of leadership Edo State deserves. And that is the standard by which every administration, past and present, must be judged.
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