The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, accusing his administration of plunging the state into chaos, widespread insecurity, and economic decline.
Speaking in what he described as a State of the State Address, PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, alleged that Okpebholo’s government has subjected Edo residents to physical and psychological abuse, leaving the state in a worse condition than ever.
Aziegbemi cited a recent statement by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a political ally of Okpebholo, who raised concerns over the alarming rise in insecurity across Edo State. The PDP chair claimed that under Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo has deteriorated from one of Nigeria’s safest states into a hotbed of violent crimes, kidnappings, and lawlessness. He added that criminals now see Edo as a safe haven, exploiting the administration’s weakness in tackling security challenges.
The PDP further accused Okpebholo of empowering thugs and non-state actors, alleging that transportation workers, business owners, and market traders are now living in fear of harassment, extortion, and intimidation. The party claimed that market women have suffered immensely due to the illegal imposition of a new market leader (Iyeki), allegedly working with the government to exploit traders, leading to business closures and mass protests.
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The opposition party also raised concerns over the state’s finances, revealing that Edo lost ₦1.3 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) in the last month alone. They blamed this financial mismanagement for Okpebholo’s failure to fulfill his ₦500 million monthly subvention promise to Ambrose Alli University (AAU) for the third consecutive month, causing significant setbacks for students and staff.
Additionally, the PDP condemned Okpebholo’s handling of local government administration, accusing him of illegally removing elected local government chairmen and vice chairmen through violent means, despite multiple court rulings against such actions. The party insisted that thugs and other non-state actors physically assaulted these officials with horsewhips and weapons, disregarding legal verdicts from the Edo State High Court, Supreme Court, and even an advisory from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
With these accusations, the PDP declared that Edo State has experienced nothing but setbacks under Okpebholo, urging the people to hold the government accountable before the situation worsens.
