The Governor-elect of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has refuted allegations that he signed a $45.21 million agreement with the Chinese government for constructing flyover bridges. He assured the people of Edo State that he has no intention of becoming another “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governor,” referencing criticisms aimed at outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Reacting to claims made by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the weekend, Okpebholo responded through a statement by his media aide, Godswill Inegbe. In the statement, he dismissed the allegations as distractions from the PDP, which, he says, is struggling to come to terms with its defeat in the September 21 governorship election. Okpebholo firmly denied any official dealings with the China Exim Bank, explaining that he, as a governor-elect, has no authority to procure loans on behalf of the state.
“I am focused on how to address the existing debt burden left by the outgoing Obaseki administration, which did not result in meaningful development,” Okpebholo stated, emphasizing his commitment to responsible governance and prudent management of Edo State’s resources.
Full Statement Text
“Re: Ahead of Inauguration: Akpakomiza signs a $45.21m MoU with a Chinese Bank to build flyovers in Benin City”
We wish to alert the public to the misleading publication falsely claiming that Senator Monday Okpebholo, winner of Edo State’s November 21 election, was negotiating a $45.21 million loan with a Chinese bank to fund flyovers in Benin City. Although we typically disregard such provocations, our investigations indicate that the report was concocted by individuals still reeling from their recent election defeat. Consequently, we feel compelled to set the record straight.
The photograph circulating online, taken at the Chinese Ambassador’s office in Abuja, was from a simple courtesy visit. The Governor-elect did not discuss or sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Exim Bank, nor did he negotiate any loan agreements for Edo State.
As the governor-elect, Okpebholo holds no official authority to secure loans on behalf of the state. Instead, his priority is to address the multitude of loans accrued under Obaseki’s tenure, which yielded little in terms of development. Okpebholo has made it clear that his administration will be based on tangible results, not MoUs. He assures that he will not mirror the outgoing administration’s style, which relied on numerous unfulfilled MoUs.
The PDP, particularly members associated with the outgoing administration, should refocus on the transition process rather than attempt to spread baseless rumors about the Governor-elect. Okpebholo will not accept advice from individuals he claims have mismanaged Edo’s future over the last seven years.
Furthermore, the Governor-elect firmly stated he would not misappropriate public funds. His administration, he pledged, will judiciously manage Edo’s resources to foster genuine development. Instead of perpetuating false narratives, Okpebholo suggests that his critics seek forgiveness from Edo’s people, acknowledging the financial and psychological strain inflicted over the past seven years.
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