The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration of squandering N3.51 billion of taxpayers’ funds on international trips and training within three months.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Chris Osa Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, the party described the spending as “reckless” and “shameful,” alleging it came at a time when the state was failing to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
The criticism follows the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report, released on August 5, 2025, which listed Edo among 30 states that collectively spent N11.75 billion on overseas trips in the first quarter of the year without securing any FDI.
According to the report, only Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attracted investments during the period.
The NBS data showed Edo’s expenditures stood at N349,323,686.03 and $227,918.57 in the first quarter alone.
The PDP said such spending was unacceptable given the state’s poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, decaying schools, delayed salary payments, and unreliable electricity supply.
“The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration squandered an alarming N3.51 billion on travel in just the first half of 2025,” the statement read.
“While other states are opening their doors to investment, Edo’s leaders are opening their wallets for endless trips.
Governance is not a jamboree. Leadership demands prudence, vision, and a commitment to prioritising the needs of the people over frivolous indulgences.”
The PDP called on the state government to publish full details of the trips and urged it to redirect such funds toward addressing the state’s “massive infrastructure deficit.”
Government Responds
Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, dismissed the allegations, describing the Okpebholo administration as “a government of action, purpose, and vision.”
He insisted that no frivolous trips had been undertaken since the governor assumed office, adding that all official engagements — both local and international — were strategically aimed at forging partnerships, attracting investment, and securing long-term opportunities for Edo people.
“Unlike the PDP era, where foreign trips were little more than shopping expeditions and family vacations, officials of this government travel with clear objectives and measurable results,” Itua said.
He further criticised the PDP for what he called its “monumental corruption and gross incompetence” during its time in power, accusing the party of plundering Edo’s resources and eroding public trust.
“Edo people are neither fooled nor interested in the PDP’s pretence at being the conscience of the state,” he added.
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