Why Okpebholo expanded Edo cabinet —Afegbua

Why Okpebholo Expanded Edo Cabinet - Afegbua’s Full Explanation

In a recent interview with Vanguard, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Edo State, offered a comprehensive justification for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to expand the state’s executive cabinet to an unprecedented size.

The newly inaugurated cabinet comprises 27 cleared commissioners, with one still pending, marking the largest executive council in the history of Edo State.

Afegbua emphasized that the expansion was driven by a strategic vision to enhance governance efficiency and ensure that the administration’s policies and developmental goals reach the grassroots. He argued that the size of the cabinet should not be the primary concern; rather, the focus should be on the impact of governance on the wellbeing of the people. According to him, the value of each ministry lies in its potential to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth and social development.

He also addressed concerns about the cost of governance, asserting that corruption—not cabinet size, is the real threat to public service. Afegbua praised Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, noting that contractors have been paid promptly and that several legacy projects are already underway. He claimed that the administration’s approach contrasts sharply with that of the previous government led by Godwin Obaseki, which he accused of operating on unclear principles and implementing opaque policies.

Regarding the delay in constituting a full cabinet, nearly a year after the governor assumed office, Afegbua attributed it to political negotiations and pressure from various interest groups. He clarified that although the cabinet was not fully formed, governance activities continued, and executive council meetings were held regularly. The recent appointments, he said, reflect a deliberate effort to broaden the scope of governance by creating additional ministries that address diverse sectors of the economy.

Afegbua concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to its campaign promises and its resolve to deliver impactful governance. He urged critics to evaluate the cabinet not by its size but by its effectiveness and the tangible benefits it brings to the people of Edo State.