The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has leveled serious allegations against Governor Monday Okpebholo. The PDP claims that the governor squandered over N30 billion left in the state's treasury by the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki within just 14 days of assuming office.
This accusation was made public during a press conference titled "State of the Nation Address" by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the caretaker committee chairman of the PDP in Edo State.
Aziegbemi alleged that the funds were used to compensate "godfathers" who supported Okpebholo during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Furthermore, he criticized the APC-led government for failing to pay the November monthly salaries to the state's civil and public workers, contrasting it with the former PDP-led administration's record of timely salary payments on or before the 26th of every month.
The PDP also accused the Okpebholo administration of procuring over N5 billion worth of vehicles without adhering to proper procurement processes and attempting to justify over N2 billion as inauguration costs.
Aziegbemi expressed concerns about the potential violation of the Edo State Procurement Act, stating, "What have they done with that money? They have filtered the money away and shared it with their godfathers for the roles they played in circumventing the will of the people."
In response, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, dismissed the allegations as baseless blackmail. He asserted that the Okpebholo administration is committed to exposing the alleged corruption from the previous eight-year PDP tenure and is focused on rapidly developing Edo State to meet the expectations of its residents.
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