Edo PDP clashes with Governor Okpebholo over foreign trips and plans to buy N4.2bn SUVs; government dismisses allegations as false and misleading
Edo PDP clashes with Okpebholo over foreign trips, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa of abandoning duties amid rising insecurity and economic woes.
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The Edo State PDP, through Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare, slammed the administration on Thursday, alleging reckless neglect as the state grapples with worsening security and stalled development projects.
Nehikhare accused the governor’s office of planning to purchase 28 luxury SUVs for newly nominated commissioners, costing about N4.2 billion at N150 million each.
He called this move part of an “expansion” that would create Edo’s largest executive council yet, swelling government costs.
“Farmers are abandoning farms due to armed gangs; kidnappers terrorize highways, and traders close early out of fear. Edo people deserve leadership, not junketing abroad,” Nehikhare said.
The PDP further claimed workers’ entitlements are delayed and public projects abandoned while the governor and deputy spend time on foreign trips.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as “reckless, misleading, and desperate.”
He confirmed Deputy Governor Idahosa is actively present in Edo, contradicting claims of leadership vacuum.
“Governance in Edo today is run on systems, structures, and accountability, not propaganda,” Itua stated.
On workers’ welfare, Itua pointed out Edo remains among Nigeria’s top three states with the highest minimum wage of N75,000, countering PDP’s narrative.
He also criticized the previous PDP-led government under Governor Godwin Obaseki for poor investments in education, health, and recruitment over eight years.
“If schools and hospitals lack resources today, the blame rests on the past administration, not ours,” he said.
Addressing the planned large executive council, the government defended the size as a move for “capacity, competence, and representation” across Edo’s senatorial districts.
“Inclusiveness is wrongly portrayed as excess.
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The current administration is focused on delivering democracy’s dividends and securing Edo’s future,” Itua added.
