Okpebholo Administration Stands Firm on Accountability — Will Not Be Distracted by Disgruntled PDP Faction

April 30, 2025

Okpebholo Administration Stands Firm on Accountability — Will Not Be Distracted by Disgruntled PDP Faction

The Edo State Government has noted the statement issued by a disgruntled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State — a group made up of leftover elements from the Obaseki era, now struggling for relevance. Ordinarily, we would not have dignified their claims with a response, as they are neither the recognized opposition executives nor do they speak for the majority of Edo people. However, for the sake of public clarity, we will address their latest mischief.

It is astonishing that this faction finds fault with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s principled decision to suspend an official to allow for a fair and thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct. In every decent and democratic society, such actions are signs of leadership committed to transparency and good governance. But for these Obaseki-era holdovers, accountability seems to be a strange and uncomfortable concept.

Rather than commend the Governor for upholding integrity and zero tolerance for graft, they have chosen to criticize — once again revealing their misplaced loyalty to the politics of impunity and concealment. Their statement suggests that corruption should be ignored and covered up, which explains the widespread rot that Edo people suffered under their watch.

As this administration has always maintained, the scale of graft and mismanagement inherited from the previous PDP-led government was unacceptable and shameful. Senator Okpebholo’s government will never look away when credible allegations arise. We will continue to act — swiftly, fairly, and within the law — because that is what Edo people voted for.

This government is setting a new tone where public office is no longer a shortcut to personal enrichment but a call to service. Every official is being held to the highest standards, and the message is clear: there is no place for unwholesome practices in Edo State under this leadership.

We advise this faction — rejected by the people and disowned by their own party structures — to focus on resolving their internal crisis and defining their role in today’s Edo politics, rather than throwing stones at a government far above their league.

While they peddle distractions, Governor Okpebholo is delivering real progress. From strengthening primary healthcare, to revamping security architecture, accelerating rural road rehabilitation, and creating opportunities for Edo’s young people. This administration is focused on results, not noise.

Edo people voted for responsible, transparent, and effective governance, and that is exactly what they are getting. No amount of heckling from those uncomfortable with accountability will derail this mission.

Signed,

Bugie Okhuemoi

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor of Edo State