… Govt warns against trespass as Okpebholo pushes ahead with infrastructure drive
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has attributed the widespread infrastructure decay across the state to what he described as the gross negligence, misplaced priorities, and anti-people governance of his predecessor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during his eight years in office.
Speaking during an inspection of several failed road networks in Edo Central at the weekend, Governor Okpebholo said Obaseki’s administration abandoned basic infrastructure, leaving behind roads in ruins and communities cut off, especially in rural areas that drive the state’s economy.
“For eight years, Governor Obaseki focused on propaganda and surface-level projects, while critical infrastructure like these roads were completely ignored,” Okpebholo said.
“This is the legacy he left us, pain, suffering, and a collapsed network of roads.”
The Governor visited Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afada-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora roads, and the failed New Agbor and Illushin roads in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
He described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable, vowing immediate intervention.
“At Illushin Road, which connects Edo to other parts of the country, flooding recently claimed the life of a little girl. This was preventable if the previous government had done its duty,” he said.
“The road is not motorable and has become a death trap. It shows how badly we were governed.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the rot he inherited was a direct result of Obaseki’s failure to invest in the state’s backbone, its infrastructure.
He assured residents that his government, with support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is determined to fix the roads and restore economic life to the affected areas.
“I met with the President recently, and he urged us governors to take urgent action on roads. That is why I’m here, not to make promises, but to act,” he stated. “
“We’ve engaged contractors already and work will begin shortly on these critical roads.”
According to the Governor, the New Agbor Road is a gateway between Edo and the Eastern part of Nigeria, linking Agbor, Asaba, and Onitsha. He stressed that reviving such roads is vital for boosting trade, saving lives, and reconnecting the state to national road arteries.
“This government will not behave like the last one. We are focused on results, not excuses. Edo people deserve better,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has warned trespassers and saboteurs to steer clear of all ongoing infrastructure project sites across the state or risk arrest and prosecution.
This was contained in a statement released in Benin City by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who said the state remains fully committed to the transformation of its infrastructure under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Ohonbamu said the warning became necessary following reports of unauthorized access to construction sites, stressing that such actions pose safety risks and could amount to deliberate sabotage of government efforts.
“The public is hereby warned to stay away from all government project sites, including the Ramat Park Flyover, road construction sites, and school rehabilitation projects. Anyone found tampering with these projects will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
The Commissioner urged citizens to take ownership of public infrastructure by remaining vigilant and guarding against vandalism or interference. He emphasized the importance of embracing a maintenance culture to protect government investments.
He highlighted several flagship projects currently underway, including the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the rehabilitation of secondary schools, and critical road projects across the three senatorial districts.
“These are transformational projects that reflect Governor Okpebholo’s vision to modernize Edo and improve the lives of residents. They are being executed by reputable contractors and must be jealously protected,” Ohonbamu stated.
He noted that the Okpebholo-led administration, through its SHINE agenda and in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative, has committed massive investments to linking rural and urban communities with durable infrastructure.
Commending the professionalism of contractors handling the works, Ohonbamu said the administration is confident that the projects will be completed to specification and delivered on schedule.
“Governor Okpebholo is personally supervising many of these projects. His commitment is total, and he will not tolerate any attempt to derail the progress being made,” he added.
