Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused his predecessor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, of leaving behind a legacy of failed roads and decaying infrastructure during his eight-year tenure. The Governor made the remarks during an inspection tour of several deteriorated road networks across Edo Central Senatorial District over the weekend.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Owaen Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by members of his administration and contractors, visited key roads including Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afada-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora, as well as the severely damaged New Agbor Road and Illushin Road, all located in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
“For eight years, Edo State was plagued by neglect and infrastructural decay,” the Governor said. “What I inherited from former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a state with bad roads that have stifled economic activity and endangered lives.”
He pledged immediate intervention on the roads, highlighting their economic and strategic importance to the state and the nation. Specifically, he described Illushin Road as a key interstate corridor linking Edo to other parts of the country.
“Illushin Road connects several parts of the country and needs urgent attention. We’re not here for politics—we’re here to work. That’s why I’ve brought contractors with me. Work will commence shortly,” Okpebholo said.
The Governor also described New Agbor Road as a vital gateway linking Edo to the East and North of Nigeria, revealing that it had become impassable and dangerous. He recalled a recent tragedy in which a young girl lost her life due to flooding in the area, describing the situation as “deeply painful and unacceptable.”
“This road connects us to Agbor, Asaba, and Onitsha. It’s a critical trade route and must be revived. We will commence urgent palliative works while longer-term reconstruction plans are finalised,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo said he had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who urged governors to prioritise the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. He assured residents that his government would act decisively with federal support to address long-standing developmental deficits across Edo State.
“The time for excuses is over. We are committed to delivering results that will improve the lives of Edo people,” he said.
