The Transparency Network and Public Interest Initiative has faulted the first major decisions by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo in awarding contracts for three flyover projects in Benin City to the Chinese construction firm CCECC.

The award of contracts, the process and potential financial implications have raised serious concerns among observers, the group said.

Dr. Ehizojie Emmanuel Anderson, the spokesman for the group said, “Not only has the government failed to disclose the estimated cost of the projects, but that the selection of CCECC also bypassed key regulatory safeguards, including approval from the Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State Tenders Board and the State Executive Council.”

“Speculation suggests that the projects may be financed by a loan, potentially plunging Edo State further into debt and raising the spectre of unfavourable repayment terms often associated with similar projects.”, the group said.

“Yet, the contracts were reportedly awarded within a week of Governor Okpebholo’s inauguration, without public disclosure of the selection criteria or financing details. Under Nigeria’s Constitution, any public loan must receive legislative approval. Skirting this requirement would not only violate the law but also expose Edo to potential debt traps”.

However, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also raised alarm over the projects, describing them as a “white elephant designed to funnel resources to political godfathers.” In a statement, the PDP accused Governor Okpebholo of bypassing procurement laws.

The PDP warned that spending state funds without legislative appropriation constitutes an impeachable offense and called for the governor to disclose full details of the contracts, including costs, timelines, and contractor selection criteria.