Edo People Won’t Be Distracted Over Okpebholo’s Budget Gaffe — Group

Following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s verbal slip during the 2025 budget presentation at the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, a group, Edo Renewed Hope (ERH), on Friday, said the people of the State won’t be distracted from the real issues of governances over a minor verbal slip.

The group noted that those who were making a mountain out of a molehill over the slip were those who are still licking bruises from the outcome of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.

The group, in statement titled “Avoid Blowing Issues out of Proportion”, noted that the governor has keep faith with his electoral promises right from the first day he assumed the office, adding that renewed hope has berthed in Edo State.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade Raphael .M. Okoh and Secretary, Imade Osagie, pointed out that a minor difficulty or slip by the governor doesn’t diminish his capability, dedication and focus to immediately put Edo State back on the path of development and progress.

Okoh said, “Our attention has been drawn to the unnecessary criticisms following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s presentation of the Edo State 2025 Budget Proposal at the Edo State House of Assembly. It is regrettable that some individuals have chosen to exaggerate a minor verbal slip during the governor’s address rather than focus on the essence of the proposed financial plan.

“Governor Okpebholo, in keeping with his dedication to openness and responsibility, presented a detailed budget exceeding N605billion, designed to tackle the developmental priorities of Edo State. The emphasis of this financial plan is on enhancing public amenities, education, healthcare, and the general well-being of residents. It is a blueprint that reflects the hopes of the people and provides a clear direction for advancement.

“It is crucial to recognize that speaking in public, particularly under the intense conditions of a budget presentation, can pose challenges for anyone. A brief difficulty with articulating figures does not diminish the governor’s capability or his profound grasp of the budget’s purpose and goals. True leadership is not measured by perfect speeches but by the ability to achieve meaningful outcomes.

“We appeal to the citizens of Edo State to rise above such trivial distractions and concentrate on the core issues—how this financial plan will stimulate progress and advancement in our state. Governor Okpebholo’s government remains unwavering in its resolve to deliver the benefits of good governance to every resident of Edo State.

“Let us not permit critics to divert attention from what truly matters: the initiatives and strategies that will drive Edo State’s transformation. We stand firmly with the governor as he continues to offer visionary leadership for the upliftment of our people.”