Understanding the Role of a Transition Committee: A Call for Constructive Engagement by Edo State Government
By Felix Osemwengie Isere, Esq. Cnarb.
In every democracy, the smooth transfer of power is a crucial element of governance. Transition committees play an important role in this process, ensuring continuity of leadership and the smooth transfer of responsibility from one administration to another. As Edo State prepares for the transition of power to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the importance of cooperative and constructive engagement between the outgoing and incoming teams cannot be overemphasized.
Unfortunately, recent reports suggest that the transition process in Edo State is experiencing some friction. The APC transition team has reportedly requested vital information and documents necessary for a seamless transition. Instead of complying with these legitimate requests, the Edo State government team has opted to present catalogues of achievements and proposals for the inspection of projects. While it is understandable that the outgoing government wishes to highlight its accomplishments, this approach deviates from the true purpose of a transition committee and risks undermining the smooth transfer of power.
The Role of a Transition Committee
Transition committees are not designed to engage in political grandstanding or to function as platforms for promoting the achievements of the outgoing administration. Instead, their role is primarily to facilitate a well-organized and efficient transfer of power. The core responsibilities of a transition committee include:
1. Information Sharing: The outgoing administration is expected to provide all necessary information regarding the state’s finances, legal obligations, ongoing projects, and key policy directions. This information is critical for the incoming team to understand the state of affairs and to prepare for governance effectively.
2. Coordination: The committee acts as a bridge between the outgoing and incoming teams, ensuring that the transition is smooth and that no critical issues are overlooked. It also allows the new government to hit the ground running on day one.
3. Transparency: One of the key principles of a transition process is transparency. The outgoing administration must share all relevant documents—such as financial statements, budgets, contracts, and reports—so that the incoming government can assess the state’s current situation accurately.
4. Continuity of Governance: The transition process should prioritize the continuity of ongoing projects and government services. Rather than focusing on showcasing past achievements, the outgoing administration should collaborate with the incoming team to ensure that vital services continue uninterrupted.
The Problem with Grandstanding
While the achievements of the outgoing government may indeed be significant, focusing on them during the transition process diverts attention from the essential goal: ensuring that the new government is adequately equipped to govern. Transition is not a time for political points scoring but for practical and detailed work behind the scenes. The current approach of presenting catalogues of achievements and requesting project inspections can create unnecessary delays and hinder the overall process.
This is not to say that achievements should be ignored; they can certainly be presented in the appropriate forums, such as handover notes or public addresses. However, these accomplishments should not overshadow the more pressing need for a smooth, cooperative transition. Grandstanding at this stage could give the impression that the outgoing administration is more concerned with its legacy than with the state’s future under new leadership.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
We urge the Edo State government to prioritize the transition process and adopt a collaborative mindset. The provision of vital documents and information should take precedence over showcasing achievements. The new administration, led by Monday Okpebholo, requires complete and unambiguous information to ensure that governance continues without disruption. This includes financial records, details of ongoing projects, outstanding debts, contracts, and any potential legal issues that the incoming team must address.
By withholding this critical information or delaying its release, the outgoing administration risks creating governance gaps, which could negatively impact Edo State’s citizens. Moreover, such actions can strain the relationship between the two teams, leading to unnecessary friction that can be easily avoided.
Constructive engagement, rooted in the spirit of cooperation, will not only ensure a smooth transition but will also reflect positively on the outgoing administration’s commitment to the state’s welfare. Edo State citizens expect both teams to put aside partisan differences and work together in the best interest of the state. The legacy of any administration is not only in its achievements but also in how well it facilitates the transition to its successor.
Conclusion
As the Edo State transition process unfolds, both teams have an obligation to the people of the state. The outgoing administration should focus on delivering vital information promptly, while the incoming team should be prepared to receive and act on that information. By working together, both sides can ensure that the transition is smooth and that the governance of Edo State remains uninterrupted.
Let this be a call for the Edo State government team to engage in the transition process with a spirit of openness and responsibility, setting a standard for future transitions. The citizens of Edo deserve nothing less.
