PDP, Okpebholo Clash Over Foreign Trips, N4.2bn SUVs

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning governance for foreign trips while allegedly planning to spend ₦4.2bn on luxury vehicles for newly nominated commissioners.

In a statement on Thursday, PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, described the alleged actions of the governor and his deputy as “reckless dereliction of responsibility,” arguing that Edo people were being left in a leadership vacuum amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

According to the PDP, Okpebholo’s request for the confirmation of 28 commissioner-nominees would create the “most bloated executive council in Edo’s history,” with plans already concluded to buy 28 SUVs at ₦150m each.

“This reckless expansion of government comes on top of a growing army of advisers, board chairmen, and heads of parastatals, which has driven the cost of governance in Edo to an all-time high,” Nehikhare stated.

The opposition further alleged that workers’ entitlements were being delayed, public projects left uncompleted, and insecurity worsening, while the governor and his deputy engaged in “endless foreign junkets.”

“Are Okpebholo and Idahosa unaware that farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to armed gangs, that kidnappers terrorise highways, and that traders are forced to close early out of fear? Edo people deserve leadership, not junketing abroad,” the PDP added.