PAGG faults Edo govt over rainy season excuse for bad roads

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Peoples Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG), formerly known as the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), has faulted the Edo State Government’s explanation that the ongoing rainy season is responsible for delays in rehabilitating roads across the state.

PAGG made its position known after its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2026, where members reviewed developments in the state and called for greater accountability from the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The group also criticised Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, for reportedly attributing the poor state of some roads to the previous administration and asking residents to endure the situation until the rains subside.

PAGG said it was neither a spokesperson for the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki nor affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but argued that the present administration should take responsibility for its performance.

“We are not Obaseki’s spokespersons, neither are we members of the PDP. However, the present administration has been in office for close to two years and should take responsibility for its own performance. Blaming the past administration cannot substitute for action,” the group said.

The group described the condition of roads across Edo as unacceptable, alleging that potholes, congestion and prolonged delays had made movement difficult for residents, commuters and businesses.

It claimed that journeys that ordinarily take two to three hours now take about nine hours on some routes, citing the condition of roads and traffic congestion.

PAGG questioned the government’s argument that road construction and rehabilitation could not be undertaken during the rainy season, saying engineering solutions could be explored to address critical areas.

The group also referenced the Federal Government’s recent intervention on sections of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road, arguing that the development demonstrated the need for further attention to other critical routes across the state.

It further criticised the delay in completing the Ramat Park overhead bridge, urging the government to give greater attention to projects it said directly affect transportation and economic activities.

On the reported proposal for an Edo State airline, PAGG reiterated its opposition, arguing that road infrastructure should take priority over projects it described as potentially costly.

“We maintain our position that the government should prioritise projects that directly improve the lives of the majority of Edo people. At a time when residents cannot move conveniently from one part of the state to another because of bad roads, we question the priority being given to ventures that may serve only a small section of the population,” it said.

PAGG also said it would pursue lawful avenues to challenge public expenditure it considers wasteful, including its previously stated intention to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where it believes there are grounds for investigation.

The group further cautioned against alleged attempts to intimidate or discredit critics of the administration, saying such actions would not stop it from demanding accountability.

PAGG urged the Okpebholo administration to reassess its priorities and urgently intervene on critical roads across Edo, stressing that functional road infrastructure remains important to transportation, commerce, security and the wider economy.

The group said residents deserved an administration focused on delivering basic infrastructure and services rather than continually attributing present challenges to previous governments.

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