Okpebholo Slams Obaseki Over Collapsed Roads, Vows Swift Action In Edo Central [Photos]

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has slammed his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of leaving behind a trail of collapsed infrastructure and failed roads across the state, especially in Edo Central Senatorial District.

During a weekend inspection tour of several deteriorating road networks in Edo state, Governor Okpebholo declared his administration’s readiness to reverse what he called “eight years of infrastructural neglect” under the former governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Bad roads across Edo State are one of the things I inherited from former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the eight years they were in power,” Okpebholo said during the inspection, according to a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua.

The governor toured critical roads, including Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afada-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora, as well as New Agbor Road and Illushin Road, all located in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. He expressed deep concern over the state of disrepair, describing the roads as a threat to safety and a major hindrance to economic activities.

Standing on the washed-out stretch of New Agbor Road, Okpebholo underscored the road’s economic and strategic importance. “This road is vital as it is a link and the gateway between the North and the Eastern part of Nigeria. The road can take us to Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, and other Eastern parts of Nigeria,” he said.

Tragically, the governor recounted a recent incident in which a young girl lost her life to floodwaters during a downpour. “It is painful to us as a government. This is a critical road, and we need to fix it,” he lamented.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that his administration is already working with construction firms to begin immediate palliative interventions on the affected roads. He emphasised that swift action is necessary to prevent further loss of life and restore connectivity for residents and commuters.

“We are here with contractors to look at the road, get first-hand information to initiate a solution to the road as we need quick intervention to make it motorable,” he said. “This is the Uromi axis, and the road needs to be fixed to avert any kind of disaster that will cause pain to families.”

Governor Okpebholo also revealed that his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yielded a directive for state governors to prioritise infrastructure repairs. “I was with the President about a week ago, and he told us as governors to look into our bad roads and fix them. So, I will implement what Mr. President requested from the Governors.”

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to matching words with action, promising that the rehabilitation work would begin without delay.

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