Okpebholo to probe alleged $10M spent by Obaseki on revamping Nigerian Observer

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to investigate the reported expenditure of $10 million by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki on revamping the state-owned newspaper, The Nigerian Observer.

Governor Okpebholo made this disclosure during an unscheduled visit to the newspaper’s premises, where he led top government officials to inspect the facilities. However, he and his entourage were unable to gain access to the buildings housing the machines purportedly purchased with the funds.

The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the state of the facility, noting that despite Obaseki’s administration’s claims of revamping the media house to compete with national dailies, the organization remains non-functional.

“I came to see for myself what the former governor claimed to have spent $10 million on, just before the election,” Okpebholo stated.

“Everywhere was locked, and there was no sign of activity. If the place was operational, people would have been working there. I couldn’t even see a cleaner on the premises.”

He further emphasized the need for transparency, pledging to revisit the site and personally inspect the equipment allegedly purchased under Obaseki’s administration.

“Edo people deserve to know what happened to their money. As their governor, I am here to provide them with answers,” he added.

Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, and former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, were identified as key figures involved in the project.