The Peoples Action Group of Good Governance (PAGG) has raised concerns over the growing debt profile of Edo State, alleging that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration has borrowed more than N172 billion without providing adequate explanations on how the funds have been utilised.
The group, in its assessment of the administration’s two years in office ahead of its second anniversary on November 12, called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly amid increased federal allocations and internally generated revenue accruing to the state.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Samson Isibor, and Secretary, Chukwuemeka Nkama, PAGG questioned the government’s borrowing decisions, arguing that the scale of indebtedness should be matched with visible development projects and measurable improvements in the living conditions of residents.
Read also: Tinubu’s Prosperity Theatre: Billions borrowed, N70,000 in relief, bigger hardship
The group expressed concern that despite the financial resources available to the state, poverty, infrastructure deficits, insecurity and economic hardship remained major challenges confronting residents.
It accused the administration of placing greater emphasis on political rhetoric than tangible achievements, insisting that its performance in the last two years had fallen short of the expectations of Edo people.
On infrastructure, PAGG alleged that several roads across Benin City and rural communities remained in deplorable conditions, exposing motorists and other road users to accidents, economic losses and other dangers.
The group cited the recent tanker accident at Oluku as an indication of the consequences of poor road infrastructure, while also accusing the government of neglecting public education, agriculture and industrial development.
It claimed that several public schools lacked adequate facilities, functional classrooms and sufficient teachers, with some pupils and students allegedly forced to sit on bare floors.
Read also: Nigeria isn’t over-borrowed — It’s overburdened
PAGG further identified insecurity, poor road networks and inadequate government support as challenges affecting agricultural activities, particularly at Sobe Farm, Warrake Farm and Anegbette Farm.
On electricity, the group blamed persistent erratic power supply on the government’s inability to resolve its differences with Ossiomo Power Company, leaving residents and businesses dependent on inadequate electricity supply from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The organisation also criticised the administration’s housing policy, arguing that the absence of an effective low-cost housing programme had worsened accommodation pressures on workers and low-income earners.
Although it acknowledged the recent acquisition of 50 compressed natural gas buses by the state government, PAGG described the number as inadequate for a state of Edo’s size, calling for a more ambitious public transportation programme.
It also accused the administration of failing to revive moribund industries, stimulate industrial activities and create meaningful employment opportunities, while alleging that multiple ticketing and illegal levy collections were increasing the financial burden on traders and small business owners.
Read also:Atiku challenges Tinubu over $5bn loan, demands answers on how borrowed funds are spent
Summarising its assessment, PAGG described the Okpebholo administration as non-performing, arguing that its policies and programmes had yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of ordinary residents.
The group also questioned the governor’s reported ambition of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, predicting that widespread public dissatisfaction could undermine the target.
It maintained that Edo voters would be more conscious of their electoral choices in future elections, warning that the state would not be caught off guard again.
Related News
Source: