Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged in a war of words following severe flooding that hit Benin City and surrounding areas after Tuesday's heavy downpour.

The flooding, which submerged houses and rendered major roads impassable for several hours, has become a political flashpoint between the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and the opposition PDP.

Governor Questions Missing Flood Control Funds

Through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo raised concerns about the $150 million that former governor Godwin Obaseki allegedly spent on flood control measures during his administration. The governor suggested that the recent flooding incidents call into question the effectiveness and proper utilization of these funds.

"The widespread flooding in the city has led many to question what happened to the $150 million former governor Godwin Obaseki claimed to have spent on flood control," the statement read.

PDP Fires Back at Governor

The PDP responded with sharp criticism, accusing the APC government of incompetence and attempting to shift blame nearly a year into its administration.

In a statement issued by Edo PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the party described as "unfortunate" that an APC government approaching its first anniversary would still be "calling on their predecessor in office like their messiah any time they are met with their many misfortunes which are mostly due to their ineptitude."

Nehikhare further alleged that Okpebholo was using "phantom mismanagement of some funds for erosion control under former Governor Obaseki's government" as an excuse for leaving Edo "ungoverned and exposing the people to the elements of the yearly relentless downpour of water."

Impact of the Flooding

BenriNews reports that Tuesday's heavy rainfall caused significant disruption across Benin City. Residential areas were submerged, and several major roads became impassable, paralyzing transportation and economic activities for hours.

The flooding has raised concerns among residents about the state's preparedness for the rainy season and the effectiveness of existing drainage infrastructure.

As the political blame game continues, Edo residents await concrete action to address the perennial flooding issues that affect the state capital and its environs during heavy rainfall.

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