Edo’s power shift: Governor gifts SUVs to 17 defected chairmen amid political storm

DDM News

Governor Monday Okpebholo has handed over brand new SUVs to 17 acting local government chairmen in Edo State.

According to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the recipients recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Their appointments followed the impeachment of elected chairmen and deputies, widely believed to be influenced by APC interests.

The timing of the SUV presentation has sparked speculation about political motivations behind the move.

Many observers view the gesture as a reward for the chairmen’s swift political realignment.

Governor Okpebholo insisted the vehicles were not for luxury but to support effective grassroots governance.

“This is about enabling these leaders to serve their communities better,” the governor stated during the ceremony.

He emphasized that their performance, especially in managing council funds, would be closely monitored.

The SUV handover has ignited debate across the state’s political landscape and beyond.

Critics question the transparency and timing of the gesture to recently appointed APC loyalists.

Commissioner Lucky Eseigbe described the event as historic for local governance in Edo State.

“This is the first time council chairmen are officially receiving vehicles of this standard,” he said.

He praised the initiative as a milestone in Edo’s political and administrative evolution.

Governor Okpebholo projected Edo’s growth, saying the state could match Lagos and Abuja in development.

He expressed confidence in ongoing reforms and infrastructure expansion under his administration.

However, Oredo Local Government Area remains an exception to the widespread realignment.

Elected chairman Tom Obaseki and his deputy have not been removed from their positions.

Despite this, day-to-day affairs are currently managed by administrative head Dr. Igbinigie Osaheni.

This unusual arrangement adds more intrigue to the shifting power dynamics in the state.

Analysts believe the SUV handover signals a deeper strategy to consolidate APC control at grassroots levels.

Observers say it could influence the political direction ahead of the 2024 governorship election.

Stakeholders are watching closely to see if the chairmen will deliver real development.

The gesture may be remembered as visionary or as a calculated political payoff.

Either way, Edo’s political landscape is undergoing a dramatic and potentially transformative shift.

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