Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to road contractors in Edo South Senatorial District, threatening to revoke contracts of firms failing to meet project deadlines and specifications.

The governor made the remarks on Saturday during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects across the region.

The visit, part of the administration’s drive to ensure timely delivery and value for public funds, saw Okpebholo assessing works at several key locations, including Church Road, Upper Ekenwan Road, Ogheghe Road, and Sapele Road Bypass.

“We’ve gone round several places today. We were at Church Road, Upper Ekenwan Road, and we were not too happy with the contractors there,” the governor said.

He stressed that defaulters would face consequences if improvements were not made. “We have made our observations known to the contractor on the need to meet specifications.

By the time we return next time and nothing has happened the way we want it, we can revoke that job,” Okpebholo warned.

While expressing dissatisfaction at some sites, the governor commended contractors delivering quality work. “We have gone to three other places, and I can see that everything is going well there. I am very happy with the contractor handling the job in Ogheghe; they are doing a very good job. I am also very happy with the contractor handling Sapele Road; they are doing a very good job,” he noted.

Highlighting the urgency of the works, the governor linked timely road delivery to the approaching rainy season, which could hinder progress.

“We will continue to monitor these projects closely even at weekends. We won’t waste time because there is no time. The rainy season is almost here, and if we are not working, that means nothing will be achieved,” Okpebholo said.

He also tied the projects to the national agenda, saying road construction is a key method to restore public confidence.

“We must work in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope for the country. One of the ways to bring renewed hope is through the construction of roads. That is how our people will know that they voted for us and that we are delivering on our promises,” he said.

The governor was accompanied by top government officials, including the APC Deputy Chairman in Edo State, Sylvester Aigbobor, and other senior functionaries. Residents of the communities visited turned out in large numbers to applaud the visible development efforts.

The inspected projects include the 1.4-kilometre Charismatic (Church) Road off Ekenwan Road; the Old Sapele Road linking Agip, Ohogbohi, and Ogheghe communities; Ogheghe Road off Sapele Road; and the Sapele Road Bypass.

Okpebholo’s intervention underscores his administration’s commitment to accountability and the completion of infrastructure projects across Edo South, sending a clear message to contractors on the consequences of delays.