The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of wasting public funds and neglecting governance.
In a statement signed by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP caretaker committee in the state, the party alleged that the All Progressives Congress-led government planned to spend N4.2 billion on luxury SUVs for commissioners. Nehikhare claimed that each vehicle would cost N150 million, describing it as reckless spending at a time when many residents are struggling with economic hardship.
“Even more disturbing is the governor’s recent request to the Edo State House of Assembly to confirm 28 commissioner-nominees—a figure that will make this the most bloated Executive Council in the history of the State,” Nehikhare said.
He added, “We are aware that the governor has already concluded plans to squander N4.2 billion of taxpayers’ money on luxury SUVs for these commissioners, each costing an outrageous N150 million. This reckless expansion of government comes on top of a growing army of Special Advisers, board chairmen, members, and heads of parastatals appointments that have driven the cost of governance in Edo to an all-time high.”
The PDP also accused Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning the state for foreign trips without proper handover arrangements. Nehikhare said this had created a “dangerous leadership vacuum” at a time when citizens are battling insecurity, poor infrastructure, and unpaid entitlements.
He questioned why the government was focused on foreign travels and expensive vehicles instead of tackling insecurity in rural areas, fixing roads, and improving hospitals and schools. “Do they not know that kidnappers continue to terrorize highways and communities across Edo, while markets in Benin and other cities are no longer safe, with traders forced to close early out of fear?” he asked.
But the Edo State Government dismissed the allegations as false, reckless, and misleading.
In a response signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the government said the claims were a desperate attempt by the PDP to mislead the public.
“For clarity, we state unequivocally that the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, is presently in Edo State, diligently discharging his official responsibilities. The insinuation that both the Governor and his Deputy abandoned the State is a product of mischief and deliberate falsehood,” Itua said.
He also defended the administration’s record on workers’ welfare, insisting that Edo is one of the top three states in Nigeria with the highest minimum wage at N75,000.
On the allegation of bloated appointments, Itua said, “Governance requires expertise and balance. What the PDP brands as bloated, Edo people recognise as strategic inclusion for effective service delivery.”
He assured residents that the state was not rudderless. “The state is firmly on course under the purposeful leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy. The administration remains resolute in its mission to deliver the dividends of democracy, restore Edo’s pride, and secure a prosperous future for all,” he said.
