…PDP accuses Okpebholo, Idahosa of waste, leadership vacuum
…Govt dismisses allegations as propaganda
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of Governor Monday Okpebholo clashed on Thursday over alleged mismanagement of state funds and neglect of public governance.
In a statement signed by Mr Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, the opposition accused the government of planning to spend N4.2 billion of taxpayers’ money on luxury SUVs for 28 commissioner-nominees, each reportedly costing N150 million.
“Even more disturbing is the governor’s recent request to the Edo State House of Assembly to confirm 28 commissioner-nominees, creating the most bloated Executive Council in the history of the state. Reports suggest plans are already in place to squander N4.2 billion on luxury SUVs for these commissioners,” Nehikhare said.
He criticised the administration for prioritising extravagance over critical public services, adding: “This wasteful spending spree is especially offensive at a time when Edo hospitals are collapsing, schools lack teachers, roads have become death traps, and communities are left at the mercy of bandits and kidnappers. Delays in workers’ salaries, abandoned development projects, and worsening insecurity continue unabated while the governor and his deputy embark on endless foreign trips.”
Nehikhare also raised concerns about the impact of insecurity on agriculture and commerce, citing attacks on farmers in Uhunmwonde and Ovia North-East, highway kidnappings, and unsafe markets across Benin and other cities.
Responding, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Fred Itua, dismissed the allegations as “false, reckless, misleading, and poorly conceived.”
“It must be stated clearly that the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, is presently in Edo State, diligently performing his official duties. Claims that the Governor and Deputy abandoned the state are entirely false. At no time has Edo been without leadership,” Itua said.
He defended the government’s record on workers’ welfare, stating that Edo is among the top three states in Nigeria offering the highest minimum wage of N75,000.
Addressing the claim of a bloated cabinet, Itua said: “The PDP’s portrayal of inclusiveness as excess is misleading. The administration is constructing a government based on capacity, competence, and representation across all senatorial districts. What the PDP brands as ‘bloated’ is recognised by Edo residents as strategic inclusion for effective service delivery.”
Itua urged the public to disregard the opposition’s statements, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy, restoring Edo’s pride, and securing a prosperous future for the state.
