By Abiola Olawale
Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has dismissed speculations making the round that he intends to secure a substantial loan of $45 million from a Chinese agency.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by Okpebholo’s media aide, Godspower Inegbe, the Governor-elect emphasized that rumour is baseless and without foundation.
Reports had emerged alleging that Okpebholo has secured funding from a Chinese bank. The purported funding was rumoured to be aimed at facilitating the construction of three flyovers in Benin City, Edo State.
However, Okpebholo denied the reports, pointing out that those behind the rumours are allegedly individuals working for opposition politicians in Edo state.
He added that the viral photos from his recent visit to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai — made at the ambassador’s invitation — may have prompted rumour mongers to circulate the unfounded claims.
The statement clarified that, while Okpebholo has no official capacity to procure loans on behalf of the state government, he is focused on addressing various challenges confronting Edo state once he assumes office.
The statement reads in part: “We wish to alert the public to the misleading publication alleging that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the winner of the November 21 governorship election, is negotiating a $45.21 million loan with a Chinese agency to construct three flyovers in Benin City.
“We are compelled to set the record straight. The governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was photographed at the office of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja, where he had been invited. Contrary to claims in the publication, he was not there to sign any Memorandum of Understanding with the China Exim Bank for a loan. Rather, he is dedicated to finding ways to address the multiple loans amassed by the outgoing administration without corresponding development.”
The New Diplomat reports that the inauguration of Okpebholo as the next Governor of Edo State is scheduled to take place on November 12, 2024.
