𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐤𝐢 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐨, 𝐎𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐃𝐏

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki of abandoning the state, saying current Governor Monday Okpebholo inherited a decayed system with many uncompleted projects and neglected infrastructure.

Oshiomhole, speaking in Benin on Sunday, dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s claim that Okpebholo’s first year in office was wasted. He described the PDP as a “dead party,” arguing that its criticisms are baseless and not supported by facts. He urged journalists to rely on verifiable developments rather than partisan statements.

The former governor highlighted major projects currently underway, including the Ramat Park flyover aimed at easing traffic congestion. He noted that the economic benefits from reduced travel time and fuel savings would be significant. He also cited numerous road projects across the state as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development, rejecting suggestions that they were politically motivated.

Oshiomhole accused the previous government of neglecting basic education, leaving schools understaffed and in poor condition. He praised Okpebholo for rehabilitating schools and recruiting 5,000 new teachers to strengthen learning environments.

He further commended the governor for increasing subventions to higher institutions. Ambrose Alli University’s monthly allocation rose from N41m to N500m, while Edo University, Iyamho, now receives N250m monthly. These interventions, he said, are helping stabilise academic activities.

The senator also applauded Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing him as humble, firm, and disciplined — qualities he believes have restored order in government operations.

On national matters, Oshiomhole noted that although his legislative duties are national, he remains committed to pushing for key Edo projects. He recalled championing the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road, which had become impassable, saying both he and Okpebholo secured President Bola Tinubu’s support for alternative funding, leading to its current reconstruction.

His remarks followed criticisms from Edo PDP Chairman Dr Tony Aziegbemi, who labelled Okpebholo’s first year as “wasted,” accusing the administration of policy paralysis, stalled investment, and destruction of EdoGIS. Aziegbemi claimed the state was sliding back to pre-Obaseki days of disorder and mismanagement — an accusation Oshiomhole firmly rejected.