The allegations, which also raised questions about Obaseki’s legacy projects, particularly the Radisson Hotel and the Museum of West African Arts, MOWAA, were addressed by Obaseki through his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie.

Obaseki dismissed the claims as baseless, accusing the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, of spreading misinformation that could tarnish the country’s international reputation. He called on the current administration to verify the debt figures with the Debt Management Office, DMO, and to refrain from making reckless statements.

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According to Obaseki, “No government whether local, state, or federal has the capacity to take out loans or enter debt agreements without the knowledge and approval of the DMO.”

He added that such claims were damaging to Edo’s image and could contribute to the perception that Nigeria is a “failed state.”

Obaseki criticized the remarks made by Afegbua, describing them as “false” and “irresponsible.” He suggested that the spread of such misinformation not only harmed the state’s image but also had wider consequences, potentially affecting how Nigeria is viewed abroad.

Obaseki also urged the public to question the N600bn debt figure, pointing out that any such debt would be recorded at the DMO. He challenged those making the claims to provide evidence from official records.

Source: The Nation