Edo Assembly commends Okpebholo’s projects

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, on Tuesday led members of the legislature on a comprehensive oversight inspection of several ongoing infrastructural projects embarked upon by Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing them as unprecedented in the history of Edo State.

Other lawmakers on the oversight team included Hon. Addeh Isibor, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and Hon. Ugabi Kingsley.

Hon. Osamwonyi, who spoke during an assessment tour of the Sapele Road Flyover, said the lawmakers were on the field to verify the progress of work and ensure that funds appropriated by the Assembly were being judiciously utilised.

According to him, the flyover represents a milestone for Benin City and reflects the governor’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.

He emphasised that unlike past administrations where funds were approved with no tangible results, the Okpebholo-led government had demonstrated transparency and visible delivery.

“In my entire life in Edo State, this flyover project is the first of its kind. We are here physically, and work is ongoing,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker added that the Assembly had earlier inspected the Ramat Park Flyover on Monday, noting similar levels of progress.

“This is the fifth site we have visited since yesterday. We are impressed with what we have seen so far, and as a House, we will stand by the governor to ensure he finishes strong,” he said.

At Ogheghe, Old Sapele Road, and Ekae Road, where a 14-kilometre road and concrete drainage network are underway, Hon. Osamwonyi described the construction efforts as unprecedented, expressing astonishment at the level of work done within a short period.

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He insisted that the legislature does not play politics with accountability and would speak the truth at all times.

“If Governor Okpebholo was not doing well, we would say it. But I stand here today to affirm that the funds appropriated are being used judiciously for the benefit of the people,” he noted.

He further remarked that despite limited financial resources, the governor had delivered projects many believed were impossible.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that several communities, particularly in Ogheghe, previously suffered from severe road degradation that made access impossible, even for motorcycles.

“But today we are standing here with joy. The governor has brought democracy to Edo in a way the people can feel,” he said.

According to him, contractors handling the projects confirmed that although the initial timeline was two years, work would likely be completed within one year and six months due to the speed of implementation.

“That tells you that Governor Okpebholo is not eating Edo people’s money,” he added.

Hon. Osamwonyi stressed that the Assembly would resist any attempt to derail the governor’s momentum.

“This is the continuity we want in Edo State. Anybody who wants to thwart the governor’s efforts, we will not agree,” he said.

The oversight team also visited the 5.86-kilometre road project linking Amagba and Obagie-N’Ebvuosa, where the engineer handling the project reported that 4.3 kilometres of concrete drainage had already been completed.

The inspection revealed rapid progress across multiple sites.

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Felix Akhabue, who accompanied the legislators, said the governor had given strict directives to monitor all contractors and ensure adherence to specifications.

He confirmed that the Ministry of Works had been following the Adesuwa Junction Flyover construction “bumper to bumper.”

He noted that the House of Assembly’s involvement strengthens accountability.

“The lawmakers did not just appropriate funds; they want to see how the money is being used. Their presence keeps us on our toes because Edo people are waiting for the completion of these projects,” he said.

Akhabue added that although the flyover was originally scheduled for completion in 24 months, the current pace suggests that delivery would be earlier than projected.

He praised the contractors for adhering to standards and thanked the Assembly for its active oversight role.

Recall that the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Blessing Agbebaku, had on Monday urged contractors handling the flyover project at Ramat Park to increase their pace and finish in record time, noting that residents of the state are eager for its completion.

He stated this when he led members of the committee on an inspection of government projects in the state.

Agbebaku said the completion of the project would ease the plight of commuters who spend several hours on that axis of the city.

The Speaker, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, said the committee embarked on the inspections to ensure taxpayers’ money is being put to proper use.

Speaking, the site engineer, Mr. Akinshola Usman, said the project is now 50 percent completed, adding that, all things being equal, it will be completed either in April or May next year.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE