The Edo State Government has explained the delay in payment of contractors engaged during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, stating that it is not in a rush to settle outstanding claims until all projects are properly verified.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City, saying the government is carefully reviewing all completed projects to confirm their execution before releasing payments.
He added that contractors engaged under the current administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo are not being owed, noting that payments are being made promptly upon certification and availability of funds.
Afegbua also said the government is intensifying its crackdown on cultism, revealing that more properties linked to suspected cultists would be demolished as part of efforts to deter criminal activity in the state.
He warned that internet fraud suspects, popularly referred to as “yahoo boys,” would also face similar enforcement actions, stressing that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy on cult-related violence and criminal networks.
According to him, ongoing investigations into recent killings, including an incident involving a University of Benin student, have led to arrests, with security agencies continuing to track suspects.
The commissioner further stated that the government is also improving public transportation with the introduction of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, with plans to deploy a total of 100 units across the state.
He said the buses will be distributed across the three senatorial districts to ease transportation challenges and improve mobility for residents.
