… Urge youths, media to avoid distractions and uphold due process
BENIN CITY – Two separate civic and stakeholder groups in Edo State have strongly defended the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., dismissing allegations that he has neglected his official duties as unfounded, misleading, and disconnected from the realities of governance.
The Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR), alongside a coalition under the banner of Edo Progressive Minds, faulted claims reportedly made by the Concerned Edo Youth Groups, insisting that the accusations lack credibility and fail to reflect the true state of affairs in the SSG’s office.
In a statement, the Executive Director of IYAMIDR, Solomon Okoduwa, said the group’s direct engagement with the SSG’s office contradicts the allegations, noting that Ikhilor has demonstrated commitment, accessibility, and a methodical approach to governance.
According to Okoduwa, the Office of the SSG remains fully functional, handling matters of urgent government attention with due diligence. He argued that claims suggesting the SSG had abandoned his office overlook the nature of his responsibilities, which often require his presence alongside Governor Monday Okpebholo at key state functions, in addition to overseeing administrative coordination.
“Barr. Ikhilor has shown himself to be deliberate, methodical, and accessible. The Office of the SSG is working, and matters requiring urgent government attention are being handled with due diligence,” he said, adding that reducing such responsibilities to claims that the SSG is absent from office is unfair and ignores governance realities.
Addressing a specific case referenced by the youth groups and dated February 28, Okoduwa explained that government procedures involve multiple stages, including vetting and budgetary considerations, stressing that delays should not automatically be interpreted as negligence.
“Every request passes through structured processes. We urge citizens to use official follow-up channels instead of promoting narratives that demarket the state,” he added.
The group reaffirmed that Ikhilor understands his mandate and is executing it with legal precision, maintaining that the SSG’s office remains accessible to the public.
It further stressed that the administration’s SHINE Agenda requires stability and collective support rather than divisive narratives.
“Attempts to pitch the Governor against his SSG only weaken the goodwill the Concerned Edo Youth Groups claim to protect. Edo State needs unity of purpose. Barr. Ikhilor deserves support, not vilification,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, Edo Progressive Minds described the report against the SSG as “baseless, misleading, and lacking professional balance,” accusing those behind the allegations of failing to carry out due diligence before making their claims public.
In a statement jointly signed by its coordinator, Hon. Oshioriameh Shokur, and secretary, Comrade Gift Oseni, the group said it was disappointing that such serious allegations were made without verifying facts from the SSG’s office or offering him an opportunity to respond.
“Balanced journalism requires that all sides be given a fair hearing, which was clearly ignored in this case,” the statement noted.
The group emphasised that no official file remains unattended in the SSG’s office beyond the required administrative timeline, insisting that government processes are guided by due procedure rather than haste.
“For the record, no file stays in the SSG’s office longer than 24 hours untreated. The office operates a structured system that ensures timely treatment of correspondence and official matters. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply not true,” it stated.
Describing Ikhilor as one of the most active public servants in the current administration, the group revealed that he is widely referred to within the civil service as the “Capacity SSG” in recognition of his responsiveness and work ethic.
“This is a man widely regarded within the civil service as ‘Capacity SSG’ because of his hands-on approach and commitment to duty. Such accusations are not only strange but completely out of sync with the experiences of those who work closely with him,” the statement added.
The coalition further observed that such reports are not uncommon in public service, particularly when attempts are made to create unnecessary controversy, urging the public to distinguish between facts and sensational claims.
“It is important for the public to separate facts from sensational claims that may be designed to distract or misinform,” it said.
Both groups called on media practitioners to uphold the ethics of journalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and thorough investigation before publication, while reaffirming their confidence in Ikhilor’s capacity and dedication to duty.
They maintained that the Edo State Government remains focused on delivering good governance and urged stakeholders, especially youths, to support ongoing efforts rather than promote divisive narratives.