CRPP threatens legal action against Gov Okpebholo over planned establishment of Edo Airline

The Conference of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, has threatened legal action against Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, should he proceed with plans to establish a state-owned airline.

DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo, during a meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Abuja, announced the state’s plan to float Edo Air.

Okpebholo explained that the proposed Edo Air initiative is a strategic project of the Edo State Government aimed at strengthening the state’s aviation ecosystem, improving air connectivity, stimulating economic activities, and opening new investment opportunities across the state.

Reacting to the announcement, the CRPP, in a statement signed by its Regional President, Dr. Samson Isibor, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Benin City, appealed to Governor Okpebholo to halt what it described as wasteful spending.

Isibor noted that such spending would not benefit the people of the state.

According to him, airlines benefit mainly the rich and politicians, questioning how many Edo State citizens can afford to travel by air. He argued that air transport fares are beyond the reach of the average Edo citizen.

“Many state governments prioritize road construction and purchase over 100 buses to convey citizens to and from their workplaces free of charge. Why then is Edo State different?” he queried.

While noting that the CRPP is unhappy with Governor Okpebholo for prioritising what he described as self-adulation projects, Isibor posited that people-oriented programmes and projects should be the immediate concern of any government.

He added that such projects have no bearing on the survival of the people of the state and should not be executed.

“The news that Governor Okpebholo is contemplating establishing an air carrier, otherwise called Edo Airline, is uncalled for. There are hundreds of state and federal roads in dire need of rehabilitation, especially in rural areas where many roads have been cut off. Many villages lack access roads to transport farm produce to urban areas for sale.

“Insecurity in the state is increasing daily, and thousands of youths are unemployed, thereby worsening the security situation. Yet we have a governor who is not bothered about the plight and poor living conditions of the people,” he said.

He further alleged that there is no agenda for the poor masses since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, claiming that residents are lamenting the critical situation in the state.

Isibor urged the governor to explain what benefits the masses have enjoyed since he assumed office.

He also asked the governor to disclose the cost of acquiring an aircraft, such as a Boeing 707, and to explain the utilisation of the N100 billion loan approved by the State House of Assembly in 2025.

He further questioned whether it was productive to establish an airline that would allegedly cost the state over N5 trillion.

The CRPP regional president stated that funding the proposed airline would significantly increase the state’s debt profile, adding that the state lacks the capacity to acquire an aircraft without borrowing.

He said acquiring an airline would cost the state more than five years of its budget, assuming an annual budget of N1 trillion.

Isibor advised that funds earmarked for the airline should instead be channelled towards revitalising moribund state-owned industries.

He listed some of the industries to include Uromi Cassavita, Ehor Fruit Juice Factory, Bendel Brewery, Eva Cement Company, and Egbigiere in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, noting that if fully operational, they could provide jobs for over 50,000 youths and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

CRPP threatens legal action against Gov Okpebholo over planned establishment of Edo Airline