The Edo State Government has issued a formal response to the recently released 2026 Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI), cautioning against misinterpretations of the report’s findings as they relate to the current administration.
In a statement signed by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government emphasized that Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo only assumed office on November 12, 2024 — after most of the assessment period covered by the report had already elapsed.
“The report substantially reflects historical conditions inherited at the commencement of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure,” the statement noted, stressing that attributing outcomes to the present administration without considering the timeline would be misleading.
Methodology and Attribution
The government acknowledged the value of the pSPI as a governance assessment tool, highlighting its use of indicators such as citizen satisfaction, debt sustainability, fiscal management, and governance outcomes.
However, it argued that many of these indicators are cumulative and shaped by long-term policies, making it inappropriate to judge an administration that had only weeks in office during the assessment period.“Chronology is fundamental to credible governance analysis,” the statement read, adding that democratic accountability requires governments to be evaluated based on policies implemented during their constitutional tenure.
Evidence of Reform
Since taking office, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on reforms aimed at changing Edo’s developmental trajectory. The government listed achievements including, fiscal management: strengthened revenue administration and measures to reduce leakages; Infrastructure development: road construction and rehabilitation across all senatorial districts; Education reforms: Regularisation of over 5,000 teachers’ appointments and renovation of more than 80 schools; Healthcare improvements: Upgrade of over 70 Primary Health Care Centres and recruitment of additional personnel; Security initiatives: Deployment of 2,500 Security Corps and 500 Forest Guards to combat violent crimes; Youth empowerment: Expanded programmes through partnerships with federal institutions and development partners.
Looking Ahead
The government expressed confidence that future editions of the pSPI will more accurately reflect the impact of reforms initiated under Governor Okpebholo.
“Governance should be judged not merely by inherited circumstances but by the vision, leadership and measurable progress achieved in transforming them,” Afegbua stated.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, while urging that independent assessments be interpreted within the limits of their methodology and constitutional context.
