Senator Adams Oshiomhole has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State for describing Governor Monday Okpebholo’s one year in office as a waste.
The former governor, who spoke to newsmen in Benin, also questioned why the media still quotes the PDP, which he described as “a dead party.”
He urged the media to rely on verifiable facts from events they cover across the state rather than statements he said lack credibility.
He accused the party of failing to deliver tangible results when it held power, noting that its tenure was dominated by groundbreaking ceremonies that yielded little.
Oshiomhole maintained that Governor Okpebholo inherited a state that was abandoned for eight years, yet has already undertaken impactful projects, including the ongoing flyover construction at Ramat Park aimed at easing congestion in the busy transport corridor.
According to him, the economic value of reduced travel time and less fuel wastage cannot be overstated.
He added that numerous road projects currently under construction across the state are evidence of the administration’s commitment, dismissing suggestions that the projects were political propaganda.
On education, Oshiomhole accused the previous administration of neglect, claiming many schools were left with few teachers and dilapidated facilities.
He said Governor Okpebholo has begun rehabilitating those schools and restoring conducive learning environments, with visible improvements across the state.
The senator also lauded the increased funding for higher institutions, noting that Ambrose Alli University and Edo University, Iyamho, are now receiving subventions restored or expanded by the Okpebholo administration.
He said these interventions have helped stabilise the institutions after years of industrial crises.
Oshiomhole further accused the past administration of creating avoidable tension within the Benin Kingdom by attempting to elevate dukes to kings and imposing traditional rulers without due process.
He expressed satisfaction that the issues have been resolved and normalcy restored under Governor Okpebholo.
Speaking on federal matters, the senator explained that his role in the National Assembly is national in scope, but he remains committed to advocating for key projects affecting Edo State.
He recalled prioritising the reconstruction of the Benin Auchi Okene road, which had deteriorated to the point where motorists were stranded for hours.
He said his first motion in the Senate sought urgent intervention on the road, and both he and Senator Monday Okpebholo pressed President Bola Tinubu to explore funding mechanisms beyond the annual budget.
He noted that the road is now under construction and remains his foremost federal concern for Edo North.
