The Edo State Government has debunked claims by the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, have abandoned their responsibilities and mismanaged state resources.
In a strongly worded statement, the government described the PDP’s press release as “reckless, misleading, and poorly conceived,” stressing that the allegations were false and a desperate attempt by the opposition party to regain relevance.
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, is currently in Edo State, actively discharging his official duties. “At no time has Edo been left without leadership,” the government clarified.
On workers’ welfare, the government dismissed PDP’s accusations, noting that Edo is among the top three states in Nigeria with the highest minimum wage of ₦75,000. This, it said, is a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to improving the lives of workers.
Addressing concerns on education and healthcare, the government argued that the alleged shortage of teachers and the decline in hospitals stem from the failures of the immediate past PDP-led administration under Godwin Obaseki, which it accused of neglecting critical sectors for eight years.
The statement also highlighted ongoing projects under Governor Okpebholo, including the reconstruction of Oba Market in Benin City, massive road rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts, the construction of the Rahmat Park Flyover, and the upgrade of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Complex into a world-class facility.
On security, the government said decisive actions against cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime have restored peace in many communities. It also defended recent political appointments, describing them as strategic inclusions to ensure competence, representation, and balance in governance.
The government concluded by urging the public to disregard the PDP’s “cheap lies and propaganda,” emphasizing that Edo is on a new path of progress.
“Governor Okpebholo is less than a year in office, yet reforms and projects already underway are redefining Edo’s development trajectory. Edo State is not rudderless. It is firmly on course under purposeful leadership,” the statement read.
