Afegbua Knocks Critics, Credits Okpebholo for APC Surge

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has pushed back against growing criticism of its performance, insisting that measurable progress across infrastructure, education, healthcare and security is reshaping public perception and, by extension, the state’s political landscape.

At a press briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, defended the record of Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing recent protests and allegations of poor governance as the handiwork of “faceless individuals” lacking political credibility.

Afegbua said the administration inherited deep rooted challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, weak social services and security concerns but has, within 16 months, embarked on what he described as an aggressive turnaround under its SHINE agenda.

He highlighted key projects such as the Ramat Park Flyover, the Adesuwa Junction Flyover on Sapele Road and the reconstruction of Ekehuan Road, alongside multiple internal roads across Benin City and other parts of the state. He added that major inter-city routes, including the Ekpoma–Irrua–Uromi–Ubiaja road, are nearing completion, while maintenance continues along the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi corridor.

Beyond infrastructure, Afegbua pointed to gains in education and healthcare, noting that about 80 public schools have been rehabilitated, while over 6,000 teachers and more than 1,000 health workers have been recruited to strengthen service delivery. He added that approximately 75 primary healthcare centres have been established, with a target of 160 before the end of the administration’s first term.

He further disclosed that work has resumed on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital project, inherited at about 55 percent completion, expressing optimism that substantial progress will be achieved before the end of 2026.

In the tertiary education sector, the government approved a ₦2 billion grant for Edo State University, Iyamho, and increased its monthly subvention to ₦250 million. Additional support initiatives include a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and another ₦1 billion earmarked for student bursaries.

On security, Afegbua acknowledged concerns over kidnapping but said intensified collaboration with security agencies and the deployment of operational assets are beginning to yield results, with a noticeable decline in incidents in recent weeks. He urged residents to support these efforts by providing useful information and fulfilling their tax obligations.

Linking governance to politics, he argued that the administration’s performance is driving a wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC), reshaping Edo’s political landscape. He noted that several prominent figures from opposition parties, including chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have joined the APC across the three senatorial districts, with Edo North witnessing a near-total shift among former local government chairmen.

Afegbua dismissed claims that the APC is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, describing such assertions as unfounded. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) currently recognizes 21 political parties, including newer entrants like the National Democratic Congress (NDC), underscoring the country’s multi-party system.

He maintained that political parties must build viable structures and engage the electorate rather than blame others for their decline. Drawing a historical parallel, he referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political journey from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through successive party evolutions to the formation of the APC as a reflection of consistency and strategic growth.

Afegbua concluded by urging journalists and residents to independently verify government projects, stressing that the administration remains focused on practical governance despite what he described as misleading narratives from critics.