CRPP questions gains from Okpebholo's foreign investment trips, seeks transparency


By Elvis Omoregie

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has questioned the Edo State Government's latest investment mission to the United Kingdom, citing what it described as the absence of tangible outcomes from Governor Monday Okpebholo's previous investment trip to Glasgow, Scotland, and calling for greater transparency in government-sponsored foreign engagements.

The coalition recalled the governor's earlier investment mission to Glasgow, during which a widely publicised proposed $250 million investment was announced. It, however, noted that the initiative has yet to translate into measurable economic benefits for Edo State, arguing that the experience highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability and clearly defined outcomes in official foreign investment missions.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Nkama Waribe, the CRPP urged Governor Okpebholo to ensure that the ongoing UK investment mission delivers concrete investments, job creation and sustainable economic opportunities for Edo people. It stressed that public-funded foreign engagements should be anchored on transparency, fiscal responsibility and verifiable development outcomes.

According to the coalition, the current UK mission should not be another ceremonial foreign trip financed with public funds but should be guided by clearly defined economic objectives capable of attracting investments, expanding employment opportunities and improving the living standards of residents.

The CRPP called on the Edo State Government to publicly disclose the total cost of the trip, the identities and official capacities of members of the delegation, the source of funding, the specific investment opportunities being pursued and the implementation timelines for any agreements expected from the visit.

The coalition also questioned the composition of the delegation, alleging that some individuals without direct relevance to the investment mission were included, while commissioners overseeing key economic and investment-related ministries were reportedly excluded from the initial team.

It further alleged that some commissioners were contacted after the governor had already arrived in the United Kingdom and were asked to urgently process their travel documents and join the delegation. According to the coalition, if accurate, such a development would raise concerns about the planning, coordination and strategic focus of the mission.

The CRPP said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent call on state governors to prudently manage public resources reinforces the need for greater fiscal discipline and accountability. It argued that the President's remarks also validate the coalition's earlier opposition to what it described as non-essential public expenditure, including the proposed overhead flyover project in Edo State

The coalition maintained that despite increased federal allocations and improved internally generated revenue, many Edo residents continue to face economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and declining purchasing power. It therefore urged the state government to ensure that every expenditure of public funds delivers measurable value and directly contributes to the state's economic growth and development.



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