PDP Scrambles As Okpebholo Exposes Obaseki’s Poor Road Maintenance In Viral Video

PDP Scrambles As Okpebholo Exposes Obaseki’s Poor Road Maintenance In Viral Video

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

In Edo State, there was a memorable incident some years ago that highlighted the dire condition of the roads. Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, accompanied by his deputy Mike Ogiadomhe,  found themselves stuck amidst heavy floods on Adolor Road, Ugbowo/Uselu axis of the state.

Forced to climb on top of their jeep to navigate through the floodwaters, the situation became an unwitting commentary on the state’s infrastructure challenges. In a moment of irony, Lucky jokingly turned to his deputy and remarked, “Is there no governor in this town?” to which Mike humorously replied, “I wonder,” momentarily forgetting their own official positions.

Regardless of whether that narrative was merely a joke or a reflection of reality, it effectively drew attention to the dire state of roads during Lucky’s administration in Edo, garnering national and international awareness.

Whether labeled as skit-making or clout-chasing, one undeniable fact stands out: Senator Monday Okpebholo, through his viral video showcasing him amidst heavy flooding in the state, has successfully exposed the lackluster road development in Edo State, attributing it to Obaseki’s deficient road maintenance culture, which appears to be virtually non-existent.

Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—Obaseki was the consultant managing the Benin Water Storm project during Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s administration. This ambitious initiative, aimed at revolutionizing erosion control, reached an impressive 70% completion under Oshiomhole. However, despite its promising progress, the project encountered significant challenges once Obaseki took office.

As people say in local slang, “Everything was going well, but when it got to his turn, he spoiled it and turned it into something else.” Obaseki should have completed the project, but due to pride and ego—fearing that the credit would go to Adams Oshiomhole—he abandoned it.

Penny wise, pound foolish, and now the truth is out: whenever it rains in Benin City, the state capital, it resembles the days of Noah and his Ark, with floods everywhere.

The APC governorship candidate was on his way to an event when he encountered the now-infamous River GRA, a problem attributed to Godwin Obaseki . Unable to navigate through, he had to park his vehicle and wade across on foot.

This incident highlights the failure of Obaseki’s road projects across the state, which cannot withstand even a single rainy season before deteriorating. It is disheartening that despite being a major beneficiary of World Bank funds for road construction, Obaseki has failed to provide the necessary infrastructure for the state. Senator Okpebholo has courageously brought attention to the poor condition of the GRA roads in Benin City. This is the same senator who previously advocated for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Benin-Abuja road, prompting swift action from the federal government.

However, the PDP and Asue Ighodalo’s campaign organization have been thrown into a panic and are now scrambling to respond, while simultaneously casting aspersions on Okpebholo. The viral video has starkly exposed the inefficiency of the PDP government over the last eight years, highlighting that state development seems to have stalled since the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole.

What are your thoughts on this trending video, which has revealed the poor state of road and infrastructural development in the state?

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
Chairman and CEO, Bush Radio Academy