NGO Hails Okpebholo’s Swift Action To Protect Investors And Agriculture

According to Ireporter Online, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his decisive and transparent handling of the controversy surrounding the alleged revocation of Presco PLC’s Statutory Right of Occupancy.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the group’s Country Director, Mr. John Mayaki, the coalition commended the governor for publicly distancing his administration from a newspaper report claiming the revocation, which the government later described as unauthorized, misleading, and false.

The group said Okpebholo’s prompt clarification demonstrates “maturity, responsible leadership, and a clear commitment to investor confidence,” emphasizing that such decisiveness is critical for economic stability and sustainable development in Edo State.

Highlighting the potential risks of investor panic and disruption to agricultural and industrial activities, the coalition noted that the governor’s swift response helped “restore calm, protect livelihoods, and reaffirm the administration’s adherence to the rule of law.”

The statement further welcomed the revelation that the publication had been issued unilaterally by the former Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) without proper approval, in breach of established procedures. The coalition also lauded the state government for initiating an administrative review to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The group called on stakeholders, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, to continue supporting the government’s efforts to maintain a stable and investor-friendly environment, noting that the swift disowning of the notice confirms Edo State under Okpebholo’s leadership is committed to fairness, legal compliance, and the protection of strategic economic assets such as Presco PLC.