By DADA AYOKHAI
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration recently commissioned with fanfare 54 construction equipment, including graders, excavators, and rollers, for distribution to Edo State’s 18 Local Government Councils.
The equipment aims to enhance road construction, rural access, drainage, and erosion control projects. However, the cost of the equipment hasn’t been made public, sparking concerns among stakeholders .
Critics question whether the governor is “playing father Christmas” to the local governments or if the funds will be deducted from their accounts, as was the case with the former Governor Lucky Igbinedion Administration.
During Igbinedion’s tenure, similar equipment was acquired, but it later disappeared from the LGAs.
Experts argue that providing equipment to local governments contradicts the autonomy promised by the federal government.
Okpebholo’s administration hasn’t clarified how the equipment will be maintained or funded, leaving room for speculation.
