Ismail Abdulqzeez Mantu Reporting
The Edo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has called out Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, for denying the request of one hundred billion loan.
In a statement on Thursday issued by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the party called on the Edo State House of Assembly to be vigilante and serve as a watchdog properly checkmating the activities of the state governor to avoid abuse of power.
The statement reads;
“On Tuesday, 24th June 2025, the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) formally read a letter from the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, headlined as
“Request for legislative approval for sum of one hundred billion naira (N100,000,000,000) from First Bank of Nigeria Plc for the provision of contractor finance facility for development of various infrastructural projects in Edo State”
“The content and intent of the letter were unambiguous—the subject matter was clear. This was the foundation on which the ensuing debate and comments by members of the EDHA were based, as read aloud by the Clerk of the House. Footage of the plenary session was aired on several television stations, including the state-owned EBS TV. In addition, the story was widely reported by mainstream newspapers and actively circulated by pro-government bloggers across social media. Edo State Government requested for a loan to pay contractors!
“However, in characteristic fashion, within 24 hours of the public exposure and backlash, the Edo State Government has begun to walk back its own request, attempting to deny, distort, and deceive the public once again—an unfortunate but consistent pattern of governance under Senator Okpebholo.
“This latest volte-face mirrors the government’s earlier denial after orchestrating the unconstitutional suspension and dissolution of elected local government councils. Once again, the Okpebholo administration is attempting to shift blame and escape responsibility, even as overwhelming documentary and video evidence proves otherwise.
“As a party, the PDP views this as another disturbing example of a government that is not only bereft of integrity and direction but one that is fundamentally incapable of honest leadership.
“We therefore urge the Edo State House of Assembly to be vigilant, thorough, and courageous in scrutinizing every correspondence, request, and document sent by Governor Okpebholo, who continues to play Pontius Pilate—disowning his own actions at every turn while attempting to clean his hands of the consequences.
“The people of Edo State deserve transparency, accountability, and sincerity—not the endless cycle of lies and reversals that have become the hallmark of this administration”.