Tag: Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo joined protesters in Benin, Edo State, on Monday as residents demonstrated against frequent power outages and the billing practices of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). The protest started at Ring Road in the city center, with demonstrators carrying banners reading, “We say no to BEDC oppression,” “No light, no bill,” and “Edo people say no to bulk billing.” Residents voiced frustration over constant blackouts, estimated bills, and the high cost of prepaid meters. Speaking for the group, Ogbidi Emmanuel described the protest as a response to what he called “oppressive practices” by BEDC. “We pay for light, and they give us darkness,” he said, questioning the transparency of the company’s free meter distribution scheme and calling for a public list of beneficiaries. He added that meters reportedly cost between N150,000 and N400,000. Okpebholo addressed the crowd, urging calm while promising swift engagement with relevant stakeholders. “We need to engage them to see how we can bring in more investors into the business of electricity distribution. Once that is done, we will all be more assured of stable power. Let us remain calm and allow the engagement to take place,” he said. The governor noted that BEDC is privately owned and not directly controlled by the state government, but assured residents that steps would be taken to address their concerns. He announced a stakeholders’ meeting for Tuesday and invited protesters to nominate five representatives to take part. “I was just passing by and saw people gathered here at Ring Road. I stopped to find out what the issue was, and they said you were protesting. I said, yes, we are all youths, and I have come to join you. The only way we can fight this is to bring new investors into the business of distribution. We will break the monopoly. We want to operate like the telecom sector, where you have alternatives. Bringing in more investors will give our people options,” Okpebholo added. The demonstration remained peaceful, with security personnel ensuring order as protesters dispersed after the governor’s address. BEDC has yet to issue an official response to the complaints.

The Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District indefinitely. In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, explained that the delay is to allow the state to address pressing issues and enhance the welfare of students. He said, “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course. Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.” The announcement follows a violent turn during a peaceful protest over insecurity on Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. Residents initially demonstrated against rising crime, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night, blocking a major highway to voice their concerns. The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, who attacked traders at the livestock market, slaughtered goats, beat cows, and caused panic, scenes widely circulated in viral videos. The rioters also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, drawing condemnation from Governor Okpebholo. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest and that the matter has been referred to military authorities. The crisis has heightened concerns over security in the region, prompting the government to delay school activities until stability is restored.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on PDP state chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamation and libel. The governor is also demanding a public apology to be published in three national newspapers. The demands were made in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by Okpebholo’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq. The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused the PDP chairman of making statements that undermined the governor’s reputation. Okpebholo has given Aziegbemi a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion and issue the retraction. The claims relate to a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi on 7 January 2025, in his role as factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee. The release, reportedly circulated widely in print and online media, is said to have contained remarks that disparaged the governor and the office he holds. The letter further noted that the publication mocked the governor’s public image, which he has cultivated over the years, including during his tenure as a senator in the National Assembly.