Edo: Okpebholo denies $45m flyover loan from China

Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, has categorically denied rumors that he plans to secure a $45 million loan from a Chinese agency to fund the construction of three flyovers in Benin City. Okpebholo’s media aide, Godspower Inegbe, released a statement in Abuja on Sunday, clarifying the governor-elect’s position.

The rumor allegedly originated from affiliates of the outgoing administration, fueled by viral photos of Okpebholo’s recent visit to Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. However, Okpebholo maintained that the meeting was at the ambassador’s invitation and not related to procuring loans. “The governor-elect was photographed at the office of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja, where he had been invited,” the statement read.

Okpebholo emphasized his commitment to addressing the debts accumulated by the outgoing administration without visible development. “We wish to alert the public to the misleading publication alleging that Senator Monday Okpebholo… is negotiating a $45.21m loan with a Chinese agency,” the statement continued. Okpebholo aims to prioritize debt resolution over new loans. “He is dedicated to finding ways to address the multiple loans amassed by the outgoing administration without corresponding development.”

READ ALSO: Edo govt writes Okpebholo to form transition team

Edo State Commissioner for Information, Chris Nehikhare, also denounced the speculation, stating that those spreading the rumor were not affiliated with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s camp. “It is not true. We have nothing to say about that,” Nehikhare said. “All we know is that the new government is coming in on November 12.”

Okpebholo reassured the public of his dedication to transparency and responsible governance. “While Okpebholo has no official capacity to procure loans on behalf of the state government, he is focused on addressing the numerous debts accumulated by the outgoing administration.”

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