Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has categorically denied entering into any agreement with the Chinese government regarding a $45.21 million deal for the construction of flyover bridges. He reassured the citizens of Edo that he would not follow in the footsteps of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was often criticized for signing numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs) without tangible outcomes.
This statement comes in response to allegations from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) asserting that Okpebholo had signed a deal with the China Exim Bank. In a statement released by his media aide, Godswill Inegbe, Okpebholo expressed his commitment to staying focused and not being swayed by those still grappling with the aftermath of their defeat in the September 21 governorship election.
Okpebholo clarified that, as governor-elect, he is not authorized to secure loans on behalf of the state. He stated, “My priority is to address the numerous loans accumulated by the outgoing Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s administration, which have not resulted in beneficial development.”
**Full Statement:**
*Re: Ahead of Inauguration: Akpakomiza signs a $45.21m MoU with a Chinese Bank to build flyovers in Benin City.*
*The cycle of deception continues!*
We wish to bring to public attention the misleading publication claiming that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the victor of the November 21 governorship election in Edo State, is negotiating a $45.21 million loan with a Chinese agency for the construction of three flyovers in Benin City.
Typically, we would disregard such distractions; however, our findings indicate that this report stems from individuals still reeling from their recent electoral defeat, prompting us to clarify the facts.
The photograph circulating online, which depicts the Governor-elect at the Chinese Ambassador’s office in Abuja, was taken during a visit where he was not engaged in discussions to sign any MoU with the China Exim Bank, contrary to the claims made in the publication.
As the Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo lacks the official capacity to secure loans for the state. His focus is instead on managing and addressing the existing debts from the past administration that have yielded no developmental progress.
A pragmatic leader, Senator Okpebholo is determined not to base his governance on MoUs and will not become another MoU governor for Edo State.
Those affiliated with the outgoing administration and members of the defeated PDP, who are spreading these unfounded rumors about the Governor-elect, should prioritize the transition process instead of engaging in disruptive tactics.
Senator Okpebholo will not heed advice from those whose leadership has financially burdened the people of Edo over the past seven years. He is committed to safeguarding public funds and will ensure that the resources belonging to the people of Edo are utilized judiciously for the state’s development.
Rather than perpetuating lies, we call on those responsible for these fabrications to apologize to the citizens of Edo State and reflect on their past misdeeds. They should seek forgiveness from the people they have financially and mentally traumatized over the last seven years.
**E-Signed:**
Godswill Inegbe,
S.A. Media to Senator Monday Okpebholo,
October 27, 2024.
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