Benin City, November 10, 2024 — The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed between N2 billion and N5 billion to fund the inauguration of the state’s newly elected governor. Obaseki raised these concerns on Friday during the inauguration of a 10-man caretaker committee for the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, Obaseki expressed dismay over what he described as an extravagant expenditure for the inauguration ceremony, questioning the financial prudence behind such borrowing. “It is alarming that funds of this magnitude could be borrowed for an inaugural event,” he remarked, calling the decision irresponsible and unsustainable.
The governor also criticized the APC for not engaging or notifying the outgoing government regarding the details of the inauguration ceremony. “It is unfortunate that the outgoing administration has been completely sidelined in these preparations,” Obaseki stated. He emphasized that the lack of inclusion reflects poor governance practices and disregard for transparency.
The accusations come amid mounting concerns over debt management within the state, as Edo residents express apprehension about the potential financial burden these loans may impose on the state’s economy. Governor Obaseki concluded by urging for fiscal responsibility, stating that public funds must be used judiciously and in the interest of sustainable development rather than ceremonial spending.
This development adds another layer of tension between the PDP-led outgoing administration and the incoming APC government, sparking broader debates on governance priorities and transparency in Edo State.