Okpebholo Threatens Contractor's Arrest for Deserted Benin-Abraka Project

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning, stating his intention to apprehend the contractor responsible for a segment of the Benin-Abraka Road. The governor alleges that the contractor abandoned the crucial infrastructure project despite receiving full payment from the previous state administration.

Governor Okpebholo conveyed this stern message on Friday while engaging with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas. His visit is part of an ongoing statewide tour aimed at bolstering the party's structure in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor explained that he had desired to tackle the road's poor state but was initially hindered by existing contractual obligations established by the preceding government. He clarified that the road construction was assigned to two different companies. One of these contractors is reportedly making significant progress, with its allocated section nearing 75 per cent completion.

However, Governor Okpebholo accused the second contractor, whom he identified as an associate of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, of abandoning their portion of the road after collecting payment. He expressed his frustration, stating, “Following the agreement that was signed by Obaseki’s administration, that road construction project was paid for before I became governor. Despite the payment by the previous administration, the contractor still abandoned the road, allowing motorists to suffer untold hardship passing through the road.

“That road was given to two contractors. One of them is working and is doing his job and has gotten up to 75 per cent completion, while the other, who is a friend to Obaseki, has abandoned his section and has become the problem causing hardship on the road.”

The governor revealed that he had deliberately refrained from public commentary on the project until now but felt compelled to speak out after hearing numerous complaints during his recent visits. “Those in the diaspora don’t know what is happening and for me as the governor, I never wanted to speak on the issue of this Benin-Abraka Road, but what I heard today has prompted me to speak on the issue. I am going to arrest that contractor,” he declared.

During his tour, Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by prominent APC leaders and senior government officials. His itinerary also included a stop at Iguomo-Nisi in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where he interacted with party faithful and rallied support for APC candidates in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

The Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, lauded party members for their impressive turnout and unwavering support for both the governor and the party. Tenebe also extended gratitude to voters for their backing in the last local government elections, urging them to maintain their support for the current administration. He tasked party members with working diligently to deliver the 2.5 million votes that the Edo APC has pledged to President Bola Tinubu for the January 2027 elections.