PDP accuses Edo Govt of squandering N4.2 billion, abandonment of governance for foreign trips

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government of Governor Monday Okpebholo of allegedly squandering the sum of N4.2 billion of taxpayers money to buy SUV vehicles for commissioners in the State.

The party made the allegation in a statement signed by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary,
Caretaker Committee in the State.

The statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Benin City, alleged that each of the SUV vehicles cost N150 million.

Nehikhare alleged that the state government had requested the State House of Assembly for the confirmation of 28 Commissioners-nominees, a figure he noted that will make the most bloated Executive Council in the history of the State.

He also accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy Dennis Idahosa of abandoning the state for foreign trips without any clear direction or handover arrangement.

He opined that the alleged abandonment of the state by the duo is a reckless dereliction of responsibility which has plunged the state into a dangerous leadership vacuum at a time when citizens are groaning under economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and stalled public services.

The PDP spokesman in the state alleged that the social vices were the direct consequences of the ineptitude of the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

“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.

“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 in our 34-year history.

“While other states are prioritizing workers’ welfare by raising the minimum wage in line with increased allocations from the Federation Account, the Okpebholo/Idahosa administration is fixated on buying SUVs, “sharing the money,” and settling political IOUs.

“This wasteful spending spree is especially offensive at a time when Edo hospitals are collapsing, schools lack teachers, roads have become death traps, and communities are left at the mercy of bandits and kidnappers.

“Reports abound of delayed payment of workers’ entitlements, abandoned development projects, and worsening insecurity, yet the governor and his deputy prefer endless foreign junkets and reckless extravagance.

“Are Okpebholo and Idahosa unaware that farmers in Uhunmwonde and Ovia North-East have abandoned their farmlands due to attacks by armed gangs?

“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 queried.

The party, however, urged the duo to immediately end their alleged reckless junketing abroad and return home to confront the urgent task of governance, restoring security, fixing schools and hospitals, paying workers, repairing roads, and giving Edo people the dignity they deserve.

Reacting, the Edo State Government described the allegations as falsehood, reckless, misleading, and poorly conceived.

A statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, also added that the alleged abdication of responsibilities and mismanaging state resources by the State Governor and his Deputy were not only false but a desperate attempt by the PDP.

“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. At no time has Edo been left without leadership.

“The PDP must be reminded that governance in Edo today is not run on propaganda or guesswork; it is run on systems, structures, and accountability.

“The attempt by the PDP to mislead the public on workers’ welfare is both laughable and embarrassing. Edo is currently among the top three States in Nigeria with the highest minimum wage, at N75,000”, he added.

On the bloated political appointments, the government alleged that the PDP’s attempt to portray inclusiveness as excess is another show of bad faith.

Itua stated that the current administration in the state is building a government of capacity, competence, and representation across all senatorial districts.

He opined that governance requires expertise and balance, noting that what the PDP brands as “bloated,” Edo people recognise as strategic inclusion for effective service delivery.

He, however, urged the public to disregard the alleged falsehoods peddled by the PDP adding that Edo State is not rudderless.

“The state is firmly on course under the purposeful leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.

“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 stated.