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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is giving his administration the same federal allocations that were given to his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and he is channeling those funds into developing the state.
Speaking on Channels Television, Okpebholo revealed this while dismissing suggestions that his early projects were just initial hype to impress citizens. He said he promised Edo people during his campaign that he came to work, and that is what he is doing.
He stressed that with only a four-year first term, time is short, and by his second or third year in office, he would have to focus more on politics, so he cannot wait until the last minute to deliver.
On education, the governor rejected claims that the EdoBEST program of past administration had significant impact, insisting he met nothing on ground when he took over. He said there were no teachers, no classrooms, and not even a handover document.
He disclosed that his government addressed this by employing 5,000 teachers and renovating 120 schools, with 60 more renovations ongoing. He described the previous EdoBEST as merely a small tablet and said his administration is now introducing real ICT to rebuild the education system.
Addressing healthcare and human capital development, Okpebholo said he inherited only consultancy MOUs and no functional structures. He confirmed that his government is investigating the previous administration and has already discovered that a lot of money was taken from the system.
Responding to questions about the source of funds for his projects, he clarified that he is not stealing as some people are wondering. He explained that the same amount of money President Tinubu allocated to Obaseki, he is using for the benefit of Edo people.
In his words, “A lot of money is taken away from our system. People are now beginning to ask questions. Where was this money that we are using now? Is Okpebholo stealing money? The same President Tinubu giving them money that time is giving me the same money now. And I’m using it for Edo people.”
