Senator Adams Oshiomhole has launched a scathing criticism against the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, describing numerous groundbreaking ceremonies that ultimately yielded no meaningful projects for the people.
Failed Projects and Deceptive Programs
The Senator representing Edo North District spoke to journalists during the weekend in Benin City, where he specifically highlighted the failed Gelegele Port project and multiple abandoned housing schemes across the state. Oshiomhole, who previously served as Edo State governor, didn't mince words in his assessment of the previous administration's performance.
He particularly targeted the much-publicized EdoBEST education program, labeling it as "deceptive" in practice. According to his findings, most schools lacked basic infrastructure like electricity or Wi-Fi connectivity, making the digital monitoring claims impossible to implement effectively.
The former governor further accused the Obaseki administration of systematically neglecting public schools while dramatically reducing the number of teachers in the state's education system.
Media Criticism and Political Ancestors
Oshiomhole took a surprising swipe at journalists during the interaction, criticizing their reliance on what he termed 'political ancestors' from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his characteristic blunt style, he declared: "You had a meeting with PDP ancestors, because that party is politically dead. In this part of the world, when you are dead, you join the ancestors."
He challenged media professionals to focus on substantive issues rather than what he considered irrelevant political commentary. "I answer questions from the living, not the dead. And I do not intend to join them anytime soon," Oshiomhole stated emphatically.
Rating Okpebholo's First Year Performance
In sharp contrast to his criticism of the previous administration, Oshiomhole scored Governor Monday Okpebholo high marks for his performance within just one year in office. He stated that the current governor inherited a state that had been effectively abandoned for eight years but has already delivered visible and verifiable projects that benefit Edo residents.
Among the achievements highlighted was the Ramat Park flyover project, which Oshiomhole described as a major intervention expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion while improving economic productivity in Benin City.
The senator also praised Okpebholo's efforts in rehabilitating long-abandoned schools and creating better learning environments, referencing images the governor recently displayed during a public presentation.
The revival of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma received special mention, with Oshiomhole noting that the institution had nearly collapsed due to inadequate subvention under the past administration. He commended Governor Okpebholo for increasing the university's monthly subvention to N500 million, effectively resolving long-standing academic disruptions that had plagued the institution.
MOWAA Committee Progress
Oshiomhole also expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo's political will to take appropriate steps regarding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). The senator, who chairs the committee established by the governor to determine the legal and operational status of MOWAA, assured that the body would clarify the roles, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Institution in the project.
During an interview in Benin City, Oshiomhole guaranteed that the committee would work strictly within its terms of reference to uncover the facts and determine whether the project should be identified as MOWAA or EMOWAA. He expressed optimism that the committee would provide clear guidance on the next steps for the controversial cultural project.
