In this press statement, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary for the Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State chapter, is issuing this news release. It represents the party’s opinions on recent changes in Edo State governance and voices serious concerns about the way in which flood-related issues are now being handled under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. The urgency, annoyance, and seriousness of the issue facing Edo residents are reflected in the statement’s tone, especially in light of the frequent flooding and what the party believes to be preventable shortcomings in reaction and leadership. The statement seeks to highlight the obligations of the current administration and the necessity of prompt, decisive governance, even as it is adamant in its criticisms.
The PDP wants to make it clear that this statement is a call for action that protects the people’s security and well-being, not just political criticism. The Foundation is still dedicated to institutional accountability and productive discourse. The public, media, and interested parties are urged to interpret this declaration in the context of civic duty rather than merely political participation.
June 5, 2025
Press Release
Edo Flooding: Okpebholo, you are governor now, do your job, stop the deflection and shameful buck passing
…Obaseki has given account of his stewardship in the elaborate handover reports you probably failed to read
After spending nearly nine long months in office, a period it takes to birth a whole human being after gestation, all Monday Okpebholo has to say about his horrible failure to deal with the flooding currently ravaging Edo people is, wait for it, Obaseki this and Obaseki that.
One wonders at what point Okpebholo will realise that the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the people of Edo State rests fully with him. We understand the serious lack of quality human capital within and around Okpebholo’s government, but someone needs to tell him that as of today, the buck stops with him!
It is unfortunate that an APC government, which is now chasing the completion of their first year in office, can still be so obsessed with the name of their predecessor in office, calling on him like their messiah any time they are met with their many misfortunes which are mostly due to their ineptitude.
This time, their excuse for leaving Edo ungoverned and exposing the people to the elements of the yearly relentless downpour of water into Edo, the heart of the rainforest, is a phantom mismanagement of some funds for erosion control under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s government. For your information, Okpebholo, Edo people understand these accusations for what they are, childish dereliction of duty and irresponsible buck passing.
Obaseki left extremely formidable projects, plans, and processes for the annual preparation of the State for the flooding that happens every year between April and October, but either for sheer mischief or lack of aptitude to understand the elaborate plan handed over to you, Edo people are left to suffer the consequences.
We had warned that Okpebholo’s failure to begin desilting of the drainage system in the State and clearing all flood pathways in flood-prone areas will result in catastrophic outcomes, and today Edo people are in the middle of the storm!
Instead of playing the blame game perpetually, we encourage Okpebholo to get to work now. Use Edo people’s money to protect them from herdsmen, from flooding, from the varied task forces he has unleashed on them and as a matter of urgency ‘sit his ass down’ as the Americans will say, cut down his trips to Abuja and try and govern and serve the people, even if they did not elect him.
Signed
Chris Osa Nehikhare,
Publicity Secretary,
Edo PDP Caretaker Committee
