The Edo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are at odds over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intention to investigate former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration regarding the $10 million expenditure on the state-owned Nigeria Observer newspaper.
During an inspection of the newspaper’s premises on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo expressed concern over the inability of his team to access the facility where machines, reportedly purchased under Obaseki’s administration, were expected to be housed.
However, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, dismissed the governor’s remarks as “laughable,” arguing that, as the Chief Executive Officer of the state, Okpebholo should have unrestricted access to government property.
“We read with utter amazement a comical press statement issued by Senator Monday Okpebholo, where he claimed he wanted to probe the past administration’s effort in transforming Nigeria Observer,” Nehikhare said.
“What is most laughable is that as the landlord of the Nigeria Observer, the governor claimed he could not gain access to his own property and did not meet anyone there when he visited. This is shocking and disappointing, as he has been in office for over four months.”
Nehikhare also reminded the governor that, shortly after assuming office on November 18, 2024, he ordered the dismissal of all Nigeria Observer staff, who were civil servants employed by the state government.
“It is also alarming that Okpebholo appears confused about the location of the sophisticated machines procured by the Obaseki administration to equip the newspaper’s printing presses,” he added.
Government Fires Back
Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, criticized the PDP’s statement, calling it an “embarrassing display of ignorance.”
“The PDP’s latest release completely misses the governor’s point. Governor Okpebholo is questioning the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki allocated to The Observer shortly before the 2024 Edo governorship election—not the refurbished equipment sourced from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu,” Itua stated.
He further alleged that the so-called “sophisticated machines” procured by Obaseki’s administration were inefficient and now require billions of naira to function properly.
“Obaseki may have acquired these machines at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up,” he added.
Itua also dismissed Nehikhare’s concerns over the absence of staff at the premises, questioning why sacked workers would still be present at the establishment.
“His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends,” Itua concluded.
Tensions Escalate
This latest development adds to the ongoing political tensions in Edo State as Governor Okpebholo’s administration continues to review the policies and expenditures of the previous government. With the PDP and the Edo State Government trading accusations, the controversy surrounding Nigeria Observer is set to remain a major political flashpoint in the state.
More details to follow…
