By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
A coalition of concerned stakeholders under the banner of the Edo Progressive Minds has strongly refuted recent claims by a group identified as Concerned Edo Youth Groups, which alleged that the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq, has neglected his official duties, describing the report as “baseless, misleading, and lacking professional balance.”
In a statement jointly signed by its coordinator, Hon. Oshioriameh Shokur, and secretary, Comrade Gift Oseni, the group said the allegations do not reflect the reality within the SSG’s office, noting that due diligence was not carried out before the publication.
The statement said, "It is disappointing that such a serious claim was made without any attempt to hear from the SSG or verify facts from the office. Balanced journalism requires that all sides be given a fair hearing, which was clearly ignored in this case,”
The group emphasized that no official file remains unattended in the SSG’s office beyond the necessary administrative timeline, stressing that government processes are guided by due procedure, not haste.
It added, “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,”
Describing Ikhilor as one of the most active public servants in the current administration, the group noted that both civil and public servants have fondly nicknamed him the “Capacity SSG” due to his responsiveness and work ethic.
The statement further said, “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 group also noted that such reports are not uncommon in public service, especially when attempts are made to create unnecessary controversy.
It said, “It is important for the public to separate facts from sensational claims that may be designed to distract or misinform,”
The group urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of journalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and proper investigation before publication.
They reaffirmed their confidence in the SSG’s capacity and dedication, adding that the administration remains focused on delivering good governance to the people of Edo State.
