A fresh crisis appears to be brewing within the Edo State ruling party as some party leaders and stakeholders have accused Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration of alleged favouritism and neglect of critical areas of Benin City, particularly the Ring Road axis.
The aggrieved politicians, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the state government's approach to governance had created divisions within the party, with some leaders defending the administration while others expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as selective attention to projects and infrastructure.
They claimed that Ring Road, Mission Road, Akpakpava and Ugbague areas of the state capital had deteriorated due to poor environmental sanitation and inadequate security, alleging that the areas had become unsafe for residents and commuters.
One of the party chieftains alleged that pickpockets now operate freely around Ring Road, disguising as bus conductors and phone vendors to rob unsuspecting members of the public.
"The way and manner Governor Okpebholo has neglected Ring Road and its environs is alarming. Today, pickpockets have converted the place to a stealing depot," the source alleged.
The politicians also called for the immediate disbandment of the Edo State Transport Taskforce, popularly referred to by some residents as the "Okpebholo Police," alleging that its operatives engage in bribery, intimidation and extortion of commercial drivers, traders and market women.
According to another party leader, the taskforce has allegedly worsened the challenges faced by road users through reckless enforcement activities.
"Instead of sanitising the roads, these taskforce men have become another problem. Their modus operandi is extortion. When drivers refuse to settle, they chase them recklessly, and innocent citizens get hurt," the source claimed.
The stakeholders cited a recent incident in which a commercial driver allegedly fleeing taskforce operatives reportedly rammed into journalist Dr. Owen Eresoyen and two other persons along Mission Road, describing the incident as evidence of the need to reform the enforcement team.
Sources within the party further disclosed that the disagreements over governance have deepened divisions among party leaders, with some backing the governor's policies while others insist that alleged favouritism and uneven distribution of development projects are fueling discontent across the state.
"Many of us are not happy. Governance cannot be about a few areas. Ring Road is the heart of Benin and if it dies, the whole city dies," another party stalwart said.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Edo State Government were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
However, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Saturday Uwuilakhue, had earlier assured that the Transport Taskforce would be reformed, adding that any operative found guilty of extortion would be summarily dismissed.
Political observers believe the emerging disagreement within the ruling party could pose a challenge to party cohesion ahead of future elections if the concerns raised by stakeholders are not addressed.
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