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PDP Accuses Edo Governor of Mismanaging ₦30 Billion, APC Fires Again
BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP) has accused the not too long ago sworn-in Governor Monday Okpebholo and his administration of mismanaging over ₦30 billion allegedly left within the state treasury by the previous PDP-led authorities below Governor Godwin Obaseki. The allegations had been made throughout a press convention on the “State of the Nation,” held by PDP’s caretaker committee chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, in Benin Metropolis on Monday.
Dr. Aziegbemi alleged that the funds had been squandered inside two weeks of Governor Okpebholo’s inauguration, primarily to reward political “godfathers” who supported his election victory in September 2024.
“The Obaseki-led administration left over ₦30 billion within the state coffers, but salaries for November haven’t been paid. As a substitute, the funds have been filtered away and shared with political godfathers who labored to bypass the need of the folks,” Aziegbemi claimed.
Allegations of Monetary Impropriety
The PDP additionally accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of buying over ₦5 billion value of autos with out adhering to the Edo State Procurement Act and making an attempt to justify over ₦2 billion in bills as inauguration prices.
Aziegbemi criticized the federal government for failing to take care of the wage cost schedule established below the Obaseki administration, which ensured state employees obtained their salaries on or earlier than the twenty sixth of every month.
“Throughout our eight years in authorities, salaries had been paid on or earlier than the twenty fifth. In the present day, no employee has obtained their November 2024 wage,” Aziegbemi famous, additional alleging that civil servants are being pressured to just accept improperly documented autos.
Authorities Denies Allegations
Responding to the accusations, the Edo State Authorities, via Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless and an try and discredit Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
“No quantity of blackmail will cease this authorities from exposing the eight years of rot below the PDP. Governor Okpebholo is dedicated to recovering the commonwealth of Edo folks from a number of doubtful males,” the assertion learn.
Itua emphasised that the administration, regardless of being solely 14 days outdated, is already taking steps to speed up growth within the state and meet the expectations of Edo residents.
A Divided Narrative
The PDP’s accusations and the APC-led authorities’s rebuttal spotlight the tense political local weather in Edo State following a contentious election. Whereas the PDP questions the monetary transparency of the brand new administration, the APC is positioning itself as a reformist authorities desperate to appropriate alleged previous mismanagement.
As each events commerce allegations, Edo residents will probably monitor intently to see if Governor Okpebholo can ship on his guarantees or whether or not the accusations of monetary impropriety will overshadow his early tenure.
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