Edo Govt Rejects PDP’s Claim Of Mismanagement Under Okpebholo

The Edo State Government has dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, have abandoned their responsibilities and mismanaged state resources.

In a statement on Thursday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government described the PDP’s claims as “false, misleading and desperate.”

According to the statement, the deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, is currently in the state and actively carrying out his official duties.

“At no time has Edo been left without leadership,” the government insisted, adding that governance under the present administration is based on “systems, structures and accountability,” not propaganda.

On workers’ welfare, the government noted that Edo remains among the top three states in Nigeria with the highest minimum wage, pegged at N75,000. It said this is evidence of the governor’s prioritisation of workers’ interests, contrary to PDP’s position.

Responding to PDP’s allegations about poor staffing in schools and the decline in health facilities, the statement blamed the challenges on the immediate past administration led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“If schools lack adequate teaching personnel today, it is a damning self-indictment on the PDP-led administration of Obaseki, which carried out no meaningful recruitment for eight years,” the statement read.

The government highlighted ongoing projects under Okpebholo, including the reconstruction of the Oba Market in Benin City, rehabilitation of major roads such as Benin–Abraka and Benin–Sapele roads, the construction of the Rahmat Park Flyover, and the upgrade of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Complex.

It also pointed to efforts in tackling insecurity, noting that recent operations against cultism, kidnapping, and violent crimes have restored peace in affected communities.

The government dismissed PDP’s criticism of political appointments, saying the inclusiveness of the administration was deliberate to ensure effective representation across senatorial districts.

“It is unfortunate that after eight years of monumental failure, the PDP now resorts to cheap lies and baseless propaganda instead of apologising to Edo people,” the government said.

The statement urged the public to disregard the PDP’s claims, stressing that Edo remains firmly on course under Governor Okpebholo and his deputy.