The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on Dennis Okpebholo, a member representing the Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, over what they allege is a misrepresented donation of ₦2.5 billion to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The PDP’s contention stems from Okpebholo’s declaration that he facilitated the substantial donation, a claim they dismiss as misleading and self-serving. They argue that the funds were sourced from the Federal Government’s 2023 budget, earmarked for capital projects across federal teaching hospitals nationwide, and not specifically secured through Okpebholo’s influence. The party accuses Okpebholo of attempting to take undue credit for a budgetary allocation that was already in place, aiming to deceive the electorate and bolster his political image ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The PDP’s criticism highlights a broader concern about transparency and accountability in political representation. They accuse Okpebholo of exploiting a legitimate government initiative for personal gain, portraying it as a personal achievement rather than a collective effort. This misrepresentation, according to the PDP, undermines the public’s trust in elected officials and perpetuates a culture of misinformation. They emphasize that representing allocated funds as a personal donation creates a false narrative of individual accomplishment, obscuring the true source of the funding and the broader budgetary process. The party calls for a more honest and transparent approach to political discourse, urging elected representatives to accurately represent their roles in securing public resources.
Central to the PDP’s argument is the distinction between facilitating a budgetary allocation and presenting it as a personal donation. They argue that Okpebholo’s claim misleads the public by implying that he single-handedly secured the funds, thereby inflating his influence and contribution. They contend that being a member of the House of Representatives does not automatically translate to securing specific allocations for one’s constituency, especially when the allocation is part of a broader national budget for all federal teaching hospitals. The PDP emphasizes that such misrepresentations distort the public’s understanding of government processes and create unrealistic expectations of individual lawmakers. They insist on a clear delineation between an individual’s legislative roles and the government’s budgetary procedures.
Furthermore, the Edo PDP accuses Okpebholo of engaging in this act of misrepresentation as a calculated move to curry favour with voters in the lead-up to the elections. By presenting himself as the architect of the ₦2.5 billion allocation, they argue that he aims to garner support based on a false premise. The party criticizes this tactic as manipulative and deceitful, highlighting the potential for such misinformation to sway public opinion and influence electoral outcomes. They stress the importance of informed decision-making by voters, which requires accurate information about candidates’ contributions and the sources of public funding. The PDP’s condemnation underscores the need for ethical campaigning and the avoidance of misleading claims.
The PDP’s response also sheds light on the significance of the ₦2.5 billion allocation for UBTH. They acknowledge the critical role UBTH plays in providing healthcare services to the people of Edo State and beyond, emphasizing the positive impact the funds will have on improving the hospital’s infrastructure and service delivery. However, they maintain that the credit should be given where it is due – to the Federal Government and the overall budgetary process. They stress that while they welcome the allocation and its potential benefits, they cannot condone the alleged misrepresentation of its source by Okpebholo. The party calls for a focus on the intended use of the funds and the importance of accountability in ensuring that they are utilized effectively for the benefit of the hospital and the wider community.
In conclusion, the Edo PDP’s strong reaction to Okpebholo’s claim underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in political discourse. Their criticism centers on the alleged misrepresentation of a budgetary allocation as a personal donation, highlighting the potential for such claims to mislead the public and influence electoral outcomes. The party’s emphasis on distinguishing between legislative roles and government budgetary procedures urges greater clarity and accountability from elected officials. The incident also highlights the significance of informed voter participation based on accurate information rather than potentially misleading claims. Ultimately, the PDP’s response serves as a call for more ethical and transparent political conduct, promoting a system where credit is appropriately attributed and the public is not misled by self-serving pronouncements disguised as altruistic achievements.
