The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on the three-month-old administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing it of plunging the state into a period of decline across various sectors. In a press conference dramatically titled “Edo PDP – State of the State Address,” the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, painted a grim picture of Edo State under Okpebholo’s leadership, alleging failures in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure development, and economic management. Aziegbemi characterized the governor as lacking vision and a coherent plan for governance, portraying him as having effectively put the state in “reverse gear.” He expressed sympathy for the citizens of Edo, who he claimed are now enduring the consequences of this alleged “clueless governance.”
Aziegbemi’s address focused heavily on the state’s deteriorating security situation. He accused the Okpebholo administration of failing to protect lives and property, citing the alleged killings of at least 35 citizens by militant groups and herdsmen within a two-week period. He further alleged a rise in kidnapping incidents and accused the governor of empowering thugs and non-state actors to intimidate residents and extort unlawful levies. According to Aziegbemi, these actions have severely impacted the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), claiming it has plummeted from N8 billion under the previous administration to a mere N3 billion under Okpebholo. The PDP also leveled accusations of financial mismanagement against the governor, citing alleged extravagant spending on luxury vehicles for government officials, including a fleet of armored SUVs and numerous Toyota Prado SUVs.
The accusations of financial recklessness were further elaborated upon, with the PDP claiming that Governor Okpebholo had squandered public funds on unnecessary luxuries while critical sectors suffered neglect. The alleged purchase of a fleet of armored SUVs for N5 billion and 60 Toyota Prado SUVs for N9.6 billion was presented as evidence of misplaced priorities and a disregard for the state’s financial well-being. The PDP’s narrative painted a picture of a government more concerned with self-enrichment than with addressing the pressing needs of the Edo people. This alleged profligacy was contrasted with the claimed decline in public services, further emphasizing the PDP’s argument of governmental incompetence and misplaced priorities.
However, the Edo State government vehemently denied these allegations. Paul Ohonbamu, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, dismissed the PDP’s claims as fabricated and politically motivated. He countered the accusation of declining IGR, stating that it had actually increased to N10.4 billion in January under Okpebholo, exceeding the highest IGR achieved under the previous administration. Ohonbamu further addressed the security concerns raised by the PDP, asserting that Governor Okpebholo had taken decisive action to combat crime, including amending the anti-cultism law and demolishing houses linked to kidnappers. He highlighted the provision of vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies as evidence of the government’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring the safety of Edo citizens.
Ohonbamu’s rebuttal portrayed the PDP’s accusations as a desperate attempt to stay relevant after their electoral defeat. He characterized their press conference as a political maneuver designed to mislead the public and undermine the current administration. He accused PDP officials of vandalizing the Government House’s Control and Command Centre after losing the last governorship election, further painting them as disgruntled and acting out of malice. He dismissed the PDP as a spent force, comparing them to “a matchbox without matches.” This strong counter-narrative aimed to discredit the PDP’s claims and reassure the public of the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to good governance.
The conflicting narratives presented by the PDP and the Edo State government highlight the deep political divide within the state. The PDP’s accusations of mismanagement and decline, juxtaposed with the government’s claims of progress and improved security, create a complex and contested picture of the current situation in Edo State. This public exchange of accusations and counter-accusations underscores the importance of independent verification and critical analysis to determine the true state of affairs and hold the government accountable to the people. Ultimately, the citizens of Edo State will be the judges of their government’s performance, based on their lived experiences and the tangible outcomes of government policies.
