Okpebholo PDP Conflict Over First-Year Scorecard

On the first anniversary of Governor Monday Okpebholo's leadership in Edo State, the local branch of the Peoples Democratic Party and th...

On the first anniversary of Governor Monday Okpebholo's leadership in Edo State, the local branch of the Peoples Democratic Party and the administration engaged in a heated exchange regarding the governor's achievements.

During a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP, labeled the year as "wasted," criticizing the government for policy inaction, weakening institutions, and poor economic management.

He claimed the government had not issued Certificates of Occupancy, delayed private investment, and left local councils with unpaid salaries and pensions.

Nevertheless, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, rejected the PDP's assertions as "fabrications," maintaining that the government had fulfilled its commitments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while accusing the opposition of spreading propaganda and adhering to "Obubuyaya-style" tactics.

Okpebholo assumed office on November 12, 2024, after defeating PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo and other contenders in the election held on September 21, 2024, succeeding former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He celebrated his first anniversary on Wednesday with a seminar that included the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, and other notable figures.

At the gathering, Okpebholo shared his administration's performance report, emphasizing major accomplishments since assuming leadership.

In response to Okpebholo's record, Aziegbemi noted that while other states were advancing reforms, promoting innovation, and fostering growth, Edo unfortunately regressed to the time before Obaseki, "an era marked by ignorance, misinformation, and patronage-based politics."

He also claimed that Okpebholo's government had dismantled EdoGIS, which, in his view, had introduced organization and openness to land management.

He stated, "For nearly a year, no Certificates of Occupancy have been issued, leaving investors in limbo and property owners stuck."

This setback has hindered private investment and brought back land conflicts throughout the state.

During the previous administration, 1,000 Occupancy Certificates were issued each month, whereas only 25 have been signed in the past 365 days under Okpebholo's leadership.

The chairman of the PDP added, “Wednesday marked a full year since Edo State was transferred to accidental leadership, and the outcome is evident: it has been a year of missed chances, stalled policies, and institutional decline.

For months, the state lacked a working cabinet. Once it was finally formed, it turned into a large group of repeated assistants without clear direction or unity.

The principle of due process has been entirely undermined, agreements are made behind closed doors, there is no tender committee, qualifications have been ignored, and the government now functions as a private domain ruled by feelings rather than established policies.

Aziegbemi pointed out that no new capital project had been started, except for "a poorly planned overpass," and mentioned that local government councils were behind on paying workers' and pensioners' salaries.

"Obaseki received a total of N154bn over 10 months in 2024, whereas Okpebholo has obtained N236bn in the past 10 months and has not accomplished anything with it," he stated.

However, Afegbua refuted the claims, calling the accusation a collection of falsehoods.

He stated, "They are accustomed to falsehoods, deeply entrenched in deception, drenched in alcohol, and marked by hallucinogenic expressions."

They are the leading advocates of the 'Obubuyaya' approach to politics, asserting that they transformed Edo into a paradise, only to be revealed as those who looted the state.

Reacting to PDP is similar to observing a group of comedians searching for an audience. We are too occupied to be diverted by the ramblings of such a political party with uncertain terminology.

Afegbua stated that the PDP had now turned into a party on the verge of extinction, fueled by certain traitorous politicians who are full of exaggerated self-importance and lack knowledge about effective governance.

We are not impostors like them or economic exploiters who plundered Edo's resources like hungry monkeys released into a banana grove.

We are fulfilling our commitments and ensuring there is a good return on investment.

"From aerial views to road infrastructure, from school repairs to primary healthcare initiatives, Governor Okpebholo has transformed Edo into a construction zone, yet the PDP and their affiliated supporters who are accustomed to 'Obubuyaya'-style projects, fueled by propaganda, struggle to comprehend effective governance when they witness it," he stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).