The Edo State Government has dismissed as false, mischievous, and poorly conceived a statement issued by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as another desperate attempt by a failed political party to seek relevance.
In the statement, the PDP had accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning their duties and mismanaging state resources. Government officials have, however, rubbished the allegations, stressing that the opposition has once again exposed its detachment from reality.
“For the record, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, is presently in Edo, diligently discharging his responsibilities. At no time has Edo been left without leadership. The insinuation that both Governor and Deputy abandoned the state is nothing but deliberate falsehood,” the government declared.
Officials further reminded the PDP that Edo is not governed on propaganda but on “systems, structures, and accountability.”
On the issue of workers’ welfare, the government described the PDP’s claims as laughable, noting that Edo currently pays ₦75,000 minimum wage, one of the highest in Nigeria. “If other states are only just reviewing salaries, Edo is already a leader. The PDP’s failure to acknowledge this fact shows their ignorance and disconnect from the people,” the statement added.
On education and healthcare, the government was emphatic that the decay was a direct legacy of the PDP-led administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki. “Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has not sacked a single teacher. If there is a shortage of personnel, it is because the Obaseki government failed to recruit for eight years. The same applies to hospitals and roads, which were abandoned throughout the PDP years,” the statement noted.
In contrast, Governor Okpebholo’s administration, less than a year old, has already commenced landmark projects: reconstruction of the iconic Oba Market in Benin City, road rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts, and the construction of the Rahmat Park Flyover to ease Benin traffic congestion.
In the health sector, work is ongoing to transform Stella Obasanjo Hospital into a world-class facility, alongside new investments in primary healthcare. On security, the government highlighted successes recorded in the ongoing fight against cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime, which have restored peace in many Edo communities.
On political appointments, the government dismissed the PDP’s claim of “bloated cabinet” as mischief, insisting that the current inclusiveness is strategic and ensures balanced representation across senatorial districts for effective service delivery.
“It is unfortunate that the PDP, after eight wasted years of failed leadership, now resorts to cheap lies to remain in public conversation. Rather than apologise to Edo people, they embarrass themselves with hollow claims that collapse under facts,” the statement concluded.
The government assured that Edo is not rudderless but firmly on course under the purposeful leadership of Governor Okpebholo and his deputy. “Edo’s development trajectory has been reset, and the people are already witnessing the dividends of democracy,” it added.
