The Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has threatened to drag Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to court if his administration proceeds with plans to establish a state-owned airline, to be known as Edo Airline.
The group of registered political parties described the proposed airline as a misplaced priority and warned the governor to halt what it called “wasteful spending that is not beneficial to the people of Edo State.”
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the CRPP expressed strong opposition to the initiative, questioning the state government’s ability to fund such a capital-intensive project amid existing socioeconomic challenges.
The statement, signed by the CRPP’s regional president, Dr. Samson Isibor, said the group was appalled by the plan and accused the government of neglecting more pressing issues such as road infrastructure, insecurity, and poverty.
According to the CRPP, “CRPP is not happy with the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, prioritising some self-adulation projects,” adding that the proposed airline does not reflect the immediate needs of the people.
The group described Edo Air as “not people-oriented” and argued that it would have little to no impact on the survival and welfare of residents. It therefore called for the project to be scrapped entirely.
CRPP further highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in many parts of Edo, especially in rural communities where roads are reportedly in bad condition. It noted that many farmers struggle to transport their produce to urban markets due to lack of access roads.
The statement also raised concerns about rising insecurity and youth unemployment in the state, arguing that these issues require urgent attention and resources.
“There is no agenda for the masses in Edo State,” the statement said, claiming that residents have not felt meaningful benefits since the governor assumed office.
The group posed several questions to the state government, including the cost of acquiring aircraft, the status of previously approved loans, and the long-term financial implications of running a state-owned airline.
CRPP maintained that it is prepared to seek legal redress if the government moves forward with the project, insisting that public funds should instead be directed toward critical sectors that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
