Senator Adams Oshiomhole defends Governor Okpebholo’s first year and strongly criticises the past Edo administration for abandoned projects
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has delivered a firm defence of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first year in office while issuing a sharp critique of the former administration, arguing that the current government inherited what he described as an abandoned state.
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Speaking in Benin, Senator Adams Oshiomhole dismissed claims by the state’s opposition that Okpebholo’s first year amounted to a waste, insisting that verifiable progress tells a very different story.
The senator rebuked the Edo PDP for what he called a credibility-lacking narrative, urging journalists to rely on on-ground assessments rather than partisan commentary.
He argued that the previous government embarked on multiple groundbreaking ceremonies that never materialised into real projects, leaving the new administration to confront widespread neglect.
Oshiomhole praised the ongoing construction of the Ramat Park flyover, describing it as a transformative project that will cut travel time and fuel use in one of the state’s busiest corridors.
He added that the numerous road works across Edo are clear evidence of genuine development rather than political gimmicks.
Touching on education, he accused the past administration of allowing schools to fall into disrepair while failing to recruit enough teachers. According to him, the current government has begun rehabilitating facilities and hiring five thousand teachers to restore quality learning environments.
The senator highlighted a major boost in funding for higher institutions, noting the substantial rise in monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University and Edo University, Iyamho. He said these increases are helping stabilise academic programmes that faced years of disruption.
He also commended Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing the governor as humble yet firm, with the willingness to make tough decisions that restore discipline in governance. He said that action, not rhetoric, defines the administration’s approach.
On federal matters, Oshiomhole reaffirmed his commitment to supporting key Edo projects within the National Assembly.
He pointed to the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road as a critical example, crediting combined pressure from himself and the governor for securing funding outside the annual budget cycle.
His remarks were in direct response to criticisms from Edo PDP Chairman Dr Tony Aziegbemi, who labelled Okpebholo’s first year as wasted and accused the administration of policy drift, stalled investment, and institutional decay.
The PDP also alleged a breakdown in land administration systems and claimed local councils were struggling with unpaid obligations.
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Oshiomhole maintained that such accusations do not reflect the reality on ground, asserting that the new administration is steadily restoring order and driving meaningful progress across the state with a bold and decisive agenda.
