The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of squandering more than N30 billion left in the state’s coffers by former Governor Godwin Obaseki. This claim comes just two weeks after Okpebholo was sworn in.
At a press conference titled “State of the Nation Address,” PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi alleged that the funds were used to reward political “godfathers” who helped Okpebholo win the September 21, 2024, governorship election. He further accused the APC-led government of failing to pay the November salaries of civil and public servants, which was a consistent achievement under Obaseki’s PDP government, where workers were paid on or before the 26th of each month.
Aziegbemi also alleged that the new administration had spent over N5 billion on vehicles without following proper procurement procedures. He raised concerns that the Edo State Procurement Act could be compromised, with the government attempting to justify over N2 billion in inauguration costs.
He stated, “For 8 years, the PDP government paid salaries promptly, but now, after Obaseki left over N30bn in the state’s account, Governor Okpebholo has not paid November’s salary. Instead, they have wasted the money and distributed it to their godfathers.”
In response, Edo State Government spokesman Fred Itua stated that Governor Okpebholo would expose the “rot” left by the PDP during its eight years in power. He emphasized that no amount of criticism would stop Okpebholo’s administration from working towards the development of the state and recovering its resources.
