The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fiercely criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo over the flag-off of a flyover bridge project at Ramat Park, Benin City.
The project, which was inaugurated on Tuesday and slated for an 18-month timeline, has drawn accusations of financial impropriety and political motivation from the opposition party.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, alleged that the flyover project was hastily approved without transparency or adherence to the state’s procurement laws.
He described the project as an “emergency white elephant” and accused Governor Okpebholo of using public funds to reward political godfathers.
Nehikhare expressed serious concerns about the motives behind the project.
He said, “The recent actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo confirm our fears that his administration is set to be wasteful, with no regard for due process or fiscal discipline.”
Nehikhare challenged the governor to disclose details of the project’s cost, timeline, and contractor selection process.
He added, “We demand the governor to publicly share the procurement procedure for the flyover bridge, in compliance with the State’s Public Procurement Act.”
The PDP claimed the project is an avenue to settle debts owed to political allies and godfathers who allegedly played roles in Okpebholo’s election victory on September 21.
“It is troubling that resources meant for the people of Edo State are being funneled to settle debts to political godfathers,” Nehikhare said.
He warned the governor against using public funds to satisfy what he called the “insatiable appetites” of these individuals.
The opposition also accused the administration of undermining democratic principles.
“Monies spent without the appropriation of the House of Assembly is an impeachable offense,” he said.
Nehikhare warned that the PDP would not hesitate to escalate the matter to anti-corruption agencies if due process is ignored.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has defended the flyover project as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Benin City.
The flyover at Ramat Park is the first of its kind in Edo State and is touted as a key infrastructure initiative under the governor’s leadership.
Supporters of the project argue that it will ease the city’s notorious traffic bottlenecks and boost the local economy.
However, critics believe the project is unnecessary and poorly timed, given the state’s pressing financial and developmental needs.
The PDP’s statement also touched on other recent decisions by Governor Okpebholo, including the suspension of market unions and consultancy services in the state.
While the government has justified these measures as steps toward efficiency, the opposition sees them as part of a pattern of high-handedness.
Nehikhare said, “The suspension of consultancy services and market unions without proper consultation is another example of the governor’s disregard for stakeholders.”
The PDP emphasized the need for transparency in governance.
They said, “Edo people deserve to know how their resources are being managed. The future of the state must not be mortgaged to please a few individuals.”
The statement concluded with a call for vigilance, urging the people of Edo State to hold the government accountable.
“Transparency is non-negotiable,” Nehikhare said.