‘Depleted PDP Has Lost Its Bearings Again’ – Edo Government Berates PDP Factional Chairman Over ‘False’ Allegations

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The Edo State Government has strongly criticised remarks attributed to a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, accusing him of spreading inaccurate claims about the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

According to Gossip News Now, officials in the state described the comments as part of a recurring pattern of misinformation allegedly aimed at discrediting the achievements and policies of the current government.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the administration said Aziegbemi’s remarks reflected a misunderstanding of how government institutions and procurement procedures operate within the state.

The government expressed disappointment that instead of engaging in constructive dialogue about governance, the opposition figure allegedly chose to promote narratives that officials believe misrepresent the workings of public institutions.

One of the major issues raised in the response concerned the operations of the Tender Board. Authorities clarified that the procurement process is governed strictly by legal frameworks and cannot be manipulated by political actors or influenced by partisan commentary.

Explanation of Edo State’s Procurement Structure

To clarify the situation, the government outlined how the system of approving public contracts functions:

Each ministry has its own legally constituted Tenders Board, typically made up of the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, and key departmental directors.
These ministerial boards are responsible for reviewing projects and approving contracts within specified financial limits.
At the top of the administrative structure is the State Executive Council, which serves as the highest approving authority for major government decisions.

Officials stressed that this arrangement is not unique to Edo State but reflects a structure commonly used across Nigerian state governments.

Government Accuses Critics of Creating Unnecessary Political Drama

The administration also suggested that the allegations formed part of a broader attempt by certain political actors to revive controversies surrounding the previous government.

In its response, the state government argued that some individuals were trying to shift public attention away from what it described as policy failures during earlier administrations.

A notable example mentioned in the statement was the demolition of Benin City’s historic Central Hospital. Authorities criticised the decision to replace the long-standing medical facility with a cultural project linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), arguing that the change deprived residents of a vital healthcare institution.

Dispute Over Alleged Legacy Projects

The government further questioned claims about several initiatives promoted under the previous administration. Officials argued that many of those projects did not produce meaningful results for ordinary residents.

Among the initiatives criticised were:

Public WiFi installations that officials described as inconsistent and ineffective.
The Agricultural Hub programme, which they claimed lacked measurable economic impact.
The Tayo Akpata Education Hub initiative, which the government said failed to deliver lasting improvements to the education system.

According to the administration, these programmes were widely publicised but did not significantly improve the daily lives of Edo citizens.

Commentary and Analysis

The sharp exchange between the Edo State Government and opposition figures highlights the increasingly confrontational nature of political discourse in the state. In many Nigerian states, disputes between ruling parties and opposition groups often revolve around competing interpretations of policy achievements and governance records.

For the Okpebholo administration, defending its policies appears to be part of a broader effort to establish credibility and distinguish its leadership from that of previous governments. By emphasising infrastructure repairs, healthcare upgrades, and education investment, the government is attempting to reinforce the narrative that its approach prioritises practical development.

However, political observers note that such debates are likely to intensify as political rivalries deepen. In the end, public perception of progress will likely depend not only on official statements but also on the tangible improvements residents experience in their daily lives.

The Edo State Government concluded its response by reaffirming its commitment to transparency, responsible financial management, and policies designed to deliver measurable benefits for citizens.