PDP Accuses Edo Governor of Squandering N30bn, Delayed Salaries

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of mismanaging over N30 billion left in the state’s coffers by the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki.

The allegations come just two weeks after Okpebholo was sworn into office.

Addressing a press conference titled “State of the Nation Address,” the PDP caretaker committee chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, claimed that the funds were used to compensate political “godfathers” who supported the governor during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Aziegbemi further alleged that the APC-led administration had failed to pay November salaries to civil and public servants, a departure from the regular payment schedule established under the Obaseki-led PDP government, where workers were reportedly paid on or before the 26th of every month.

The PDP chairman also accused the Okpebholo administration of spending over N5 billion on vehicles without following due procurement processes.

He claimed that attempts were being made to pass off over N2 billion as inauguration costs, raising concerns about violations of the Edo State Procurement Act.

“For eight years, the PDP-led administration paid salaries on or before the 25th of every month,” Aziegbemi said.

“As of today, November salaries remain unpaid, even though over N30 billion was left in the state coffers. What have they done with that money? They have shared it with their godfathers for circumventing the will of the people.

“Governor Okpebholo has procured over N5 billion worth of vehicles without proper procurement processes, creating a crisis where civil servants are being threatened for refusing to accept improperly documented vehicles.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to pass entries for over N2 billion as inauguration costs,” he added.

Edo Government Reacts

In response, the Edo State Government dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to distract the administration.

Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, accused the PDP of trying to cover up its “eight-year rot” in the state.

“No amount of blackmail will deter the Okpebholo administration from recovering the commonwealth of the people from a few dubious men,” Itua stated.

He added that the government was committed to fast-tracking development in Edo State, noting that the new administration was determined to meet the expectations of the people despite the challenges inherited from the previous administration.