Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, of being responsible for epileptic electricity supply in Edo State.
The governor made the remarks during a protest staged by residents frustrated with prolonged electricity interruptions across the state.
In a video clip shared online, Okpebholo told protesters that the state has very limited control over the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), which supplies power to Edo and neighbouring states.
“It’s not government-owned property. Even though those states own equity data, we have stake, but it’s just very small. The percentage is very small,” he said, explaining the state’s limited influence over BEDC operations.
He further claimed that a private commercial bank holds a larger stake in BEDC. “Fidelity Bank has larger share on BEDC. They have better stake on BEDC. Now, I don’t want to ask who owns Fidelity Bank. Who are the owners of Fidelity Bank? I leave that to you to answer. Tomorrow I will tell you I don’t have anything,” Okpebholo added.
The governor’s comments appeared to insinuate a connection between Obi and the bank’s ownership, though no evidence was provided to support the claim.
Edo residents have repeatedly protested in recent weeks over erratic electricity supply, urging both the state government and power operators to resolve the crisis.
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