Our reporter
The Edo State Government, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has initiated an urgent overhaul of its electronic governance system following revelations of significant security vulnerabilities.
The move was announced in a government directive issued on November 25, 2024, and signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government. A supplementary statement from Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, clarified the rationale behind the review, citing critical concerns over administrative control of the platform.
The statement disclosed that the e-governance platform, integral to the state’s public service operations, is currently managed from the backend by unidentified non-state actors. This anomaly has left government officials without administrative oversight, creating what the state has labeled a “serious data security threat.”
“It has come to light that the platform, designed to enhance governance efficiency, is now at the mercy of external consultants or unidentified operators,” the statement read. “This situation undermines the security and institutional memory of the government, necessitating an immediate review.”
The government assured citizens and public servants that the platform remains operational during the review period, countering rumors of a shutdown. “The administration is fully committed to maintaining the continuity of government operations while addressing this critical issue,” the statement added.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has prioritized restoring full administrative control over the system. The review aims to identify and address loopholes, ensuring the platform aligns with best practices in digital governance and safeguarding sensitive state data.
This development highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and accountability in the management of public digital infrastructure, as governments increasingly rely on technology for service delivery and administration.
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