Nelson Utip
Edo Government and it’s predecessor are at each other’s jocular over the electronic government platform initiated by the Obaseki regime, governor Okpebolo ordered the immediate review of the policy citing breach of data and control.
This was contained in an announcement by The Secretary to The State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
The announcement was a reaction to an allegation that the Okpebolo government has suspended the digital innovation initiated by the last administration.
According to The SSG , the review was necessitated by a discovery that the e-governance platform was being operated by people alien to new administration.
The SSG however directed all officials and staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)to continue to work on the e-governance platform, pending the outcome of the review.
“This statement is to also dismiss as untrue, some reports in a section of the social media that the state government has shut down the platform.
“This is considered a serious data security threat as it has placed the entire governance structure of the state at the mercy of non-state actors or so-called consultants.
“This, therefore, calls for an urgent need to review the process.
“In the light of the foregoing and in order to remedy this clear and present danger, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate review of the entire e-governance platform.
“This is to enable the state government gain total administrative control of the platform and restore institutional memory of government, which the current platform lacks.
“All officials and staff of MDAs are to continue to work on the e-governance platform pending the outcome of ongoing review.” Ikhilor said.
In a counter-reaction, The Media Aide to The former Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, described the statement as shameless excuses:
“ We read with surprise and deep disappointment the ridiculous statement by SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor, where he laboriously attempted to justify the illogical shutdown of the platform.” He said, saying that the decision was irrational.
“This irrational decision is not only shameful and regressive, but also an insult to the sensibilities of Edo workers and the people of the state.
“It further exposes the government’s cluelessness and lack of the depth and knowledge required for effective governance and administration in the 21st century.
“The platform is operated by the Edo ICT Agency, a parastatal under the Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, with the support of consultants, to ensure efficient system for government processes and operations.” Osagie said.
