...THE MASSES ADVOCATE...

Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Slams "Factional" Chairman Aziegbemi Over N100bn Loan Criticism, Backs Governor Okpebholo's Infrastructure Drive

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Benin City, Edo State – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, led by its Caretaker Committee, has vehemently distanced itself from statements made by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, whom they label as a "factional acting chairman." Aziegbemi had publicly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo's recent approval to secure a N100 billion loan for infrastructural development.

The Edo State House of Assembly had on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, approved Governor Okpebholo's request to obtain the N100 billion facility from First Bank of Nigeria Plc, structured as a contractor financing arrangement.

 This means the state acts as a guarantor for contractors to access funds directly from the bank for their projects.

Aziegbemi's "Reckless and Dangerous" Loan Allegations
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi released a statement strongly opposing the loan, describing it as "unacceptable, reckless, and dangerous." He criticized the Okpebholo administration, alleging it was rapidly increasing the state's debt burden.

 Aziegbemi claimed that the governor was set to accumulate N100 billion in debt in under eight months, almost matching the N112 billion debt incurred by all previous Edo governments combined over 34 years.

PDP Caretaker Committee Fires Back, Questions Aziegbemi's Credibility
However, the PDP Caretaker Committee, through its Publicity Secretary, Bob-Manuel Umoru, swiftly issued a counter-statement on Friday, June 27, 2025, asserting that Aziegbemi does not represent the party's official stance.

Umoru labeled Aziegbemi as part of a faction associated with the "now defunct" group loyal to former Governor Godwin Obaseki. He accused Aziegbemi of remaining silent during Obaseki's eight-year tenure, despite alleged widespread financial mismanagement and lack of infrastructure development. Umoru questioned Aziegbemi's moral authority to now criticize the current government, highlighting the alleged disappearance of "hundreds of millions of dollars" under the previous administration without visible projects.

The Caretaker Committee's statement emphasized: "It is both amusing and insulting that a man who stood idly by while Edo State was looted under Obaseki’s eight years of catastrophic misrule now attempts to preach financial prudence and offer unsolicited analysis on government borrowing.

 Where was his voice when his principal was plunging Edo State into unprecedented debt with nothing to show?"
PDP Supports Loans for Development, Demands Transparency
Crucially, the statement clarified that the Edo State PDP is not against Governor Okpebholo's efforts to secure loans for meaningful infrastructural development. Instead, the party urged the governor to ensure that these loans are utilized efficiently and with full transparency, ultimately benefiting the people of Edo State.

"Let it be clearly stated: the Edo PDP is not opposed to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts to secure loans for meaningful infrastructural development. We urge him to ensure such loans are transparently utilized and directed at projects that will tangibly improve the lives of our people," the statement read.

The Caretaker Committee affirmed its commitment to "responsible opposition," promising to hold the ruling party accountable and demand performance, but reiterated that "impostors and political relics" would not be allowed to speak on behalf of the party.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more