PDP Criticizes Governor Okpebholo’s Remarks on Stella Obasanjo Hospital

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state’s newly appointed Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adam Oshiomhole, over their criticisms of the recently-inaugurated Stella Obasanjo Hospital. Their comments, which followed a visit to the hospital, accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration of mishandling the project. The 270-bed facility, which was inaugurated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on November 6, 2024, was rebuilt and expanded during Obaseki’s tenure.

Okpebholo, along with Oshiomhole, inspected the hospital and claimed that the construction was riddled with errors, highlighting that the facility had yet to be fully equipped. They further alleged that the inauguration by Obaseki’s administration was nothing more than a political stunt, with ongoing work at the site and unfinished facilities. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the building appeared incomplete and criticized the actions of the previous administration, accusing them of deceiving the public with unfulfilled promises.

PDP Defends Obaseki’s Legacy

In response to the criticism, the PDP wasted no time in defending the integrity of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the achievements of former Governor Obaseki. The party, led by its Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare, described the claims by Okpebholo and Oshiomhole as baseless and politically motivated. The PDP stated that the hospital is one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the South-South region and even the entire country, owing to the substantial investment and upgrades made under Obaseki’s administration.

Neikhikhare pointed out the irony of the criticism, particularly given Dr. Oshiomhole’s connection to the flawed construction of a specialist hospital during his father’s tenure as governor. That project had faced significant issues, including a structural collapse that tragically resulted in the deaths of two citizens. According to the PDP, Okpebholo and Oshiomhole’s attempt to discredit Obaseki’s healthcare legacy was a desperate political move aimed at distracting the public from the new administration’s lack of concrete plans for the state’s development.

PDP Accusations of Deceptive Politics By Governor Okpebholo

Governor Okpebholo’s remarks on the hospital’s inauguration have been met with backlash, especially concerning the timing and substance of the criticisms. According to the governor, the inauguration was a “sham” as construction was still ongoing at the time, with much of the equipment yet to be delivered. Okpebholo has promised to rectify the issues, but this has been dismissed by the PDP as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from the state’s broader governance challenges.

Dr. Oshiomhole, who accompanied Okpebholo on the inspection, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the facility appeared abandoned and that the contractor needed to provide further explanations. However, the PDP refuted these claims, insisting that the criticisms were politically motivated and an attempt to undermine a significant achievement in Edo State’s healthcare sector. The party emphasized that Obaseki’s efforts to modernize the hospital represented a landmark moment in the state’s healthcare transformation.

Obaseki’s Legacy and Continued Attack on New Government

Obaseki’s media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, also weighed in on the growing tension, dismissing the accusations as part of a broader smear campaign against the former governor’s legacy. Osagie stated that the current administration’s criticisms were nothing more than lies, blackmail, and propaganda designed to tarnish Obaseki’s accomplishments. He pointed out that the former governor had transformed Edo State’s infrastructure and economy, making significant strides in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and commerce.

Osagie urged the Okpebholo-led government to focus on governance and delivering on their promises rather than engaging in divisive tactics. He called on the current administration to demonstrate its ability to lead by focusing on the needs of the people and initiating tangible developmental projects. According to Osagie, the achievements of Godwin Obaseki, particularly the upgrading of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, will stand the test of time, and no amount of political rhetoric can erase the positive impact they have had on Edo State