The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently address the growing menace of flooding in the state, warning that continued inaction threatens lives and property across affected communities.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party expressed concern over the worsening flood situation in Benin City and surrounding areas.

It criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration for failing to tackle the issue, despite being in office for nearly nine months.

“One wonders at what point Okpebholo will realise that the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Edo people rests fully with him,” Nehikhare stated.

“We understand the serious lack of quality human capital in his administration, but someone needs to remind him that the buck stops with him.”

The PDP accused the state government of blaming past administrations for its own shortcomings, particularly the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, instead of taking decisive action to manage the recurring flood crisis.

“It is unfortunate that an APC government nearing its first year in office remains obsessed with blaming its predecessor, invoking Obaseki’s name like a messiah whenever it is confronted with its own failures,” the statement read.

Nehikhare described as “phantom” the administration’s allegations of mismanagement of erosion control funds under the Obaseki government.

He asserted that Obaseki had implemented “formidable projects, plans, and processes” to prepare the state for its annual flood season, typically between April and October.

“Whether through deliberate mischief or sheer incompetence, the Okpebholo administration has failed to understand or act on the flood mitigation framework handed over to it. Now, Edo people are left to suffer the consequences,” he said.

The PDP urged Okpebholo to immediately begin the desilting of drainage channels and the clearing of flood pathways, especially in flood-prone areas, to prevent further damage and hardship.

“Instead of playing the blame game, we encourage Governor Okpebholo to take action now. Use the people’s money to protect them—not only from flooding, but also from insecurity, including the threat of herdsmen,” Nehikhare added.

The party emphasised that proactive governance, not excuses, is what Edo residents urgently need as the rainy season deepens.