By Chris Osa Nehikhare
Over the past fortnight, I have been thrust into the centre of a coordinated media frenzy—a deliberate and calculated campaign aimed at sullying my hard-earned reputation with baseless allegations and outright falsehoods. This statement is not simply to defend my integrity but to expose the truth behind this orchestrated witch hunt.
The subject of this controversy is a 2012 Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), which has been sensationalised and weaponised by a Committee led by one Mr Kelly Okungbowa, alias Ebo Stone, which was set up by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led Edo State Government to ostensibly recover government vehicles that may have found its way into private hands.
Let me set the record straight.
I served as Commissioner during the second term of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration—a period marked by transparency, due process, and prudent governance. During this period, official vehicles were not assigned to political appointees. However, between 2016 and 2020 during Governor Obaseki’s first term, Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs were predominantly purchased and assigned as official vehicles for government officials. For the avoidance of doubt, Toyota Prado vehicles were *never* part of the official fleet assigned to commissioners or purchased by Edo State Government since 2016. Anyone familiar with Edo State’s operations during that era knows this.
The true history of the vehicle in question is entirely mundane. Purchased during Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, this vehicle had long since fallen into disrepair—a derelict shell abandoned in the former Edo Line workshop along James Watt Road, now the operational workshop of the Edo State fleet management company, MoveMonkey.
By the time it came into my possession, it was closer to scrap than to a functioning automobile.
In line with due process, the government initiated an auction of unserviceable and delisted vehicles. I participated openly and transparently in that process. I acquired the dilapidated vehicle for the sum of *700,000 Naira*, which reflected its true condition at the time. Far from acquiring a luxurious SUV, I purchased a mechanical wreck, one that required significant investment and commitment to bring back to life. It was towed from its “resting” place.
Their most ridiculous claim—that this vehicle is worth a staggering 200 million Naira—is a valuation so absurd that it immediately betrays the farcical nature of the allegations.
What followed was a painstaking restoration process, personally financed and meticulously executed. This included:
– Complete disassembly of the vehicle;
– Purchase and installation of a brand-new engine;
– Extensive repairs and refurbishment of the interior;
– Full respraying and refinishing to restore it to roadworthy condition.
Each phase of this restoration was thoroughly documented. I have verifiable receipts, records, and witnesses, including the mechanics who worked tirelessly on the project. These individuals are available to corroborate my account at any time.
The assertion that I acquired this vehicle improperly is not only false but malicious. Furthermore, the outrageous claim that the vehicle is now valued at 200 million Naira exposes the real intent behind this campaign: to mislead the public and assassinate my character through sensationalist propaganda.
Following the spread of these unfounded allegations and the request that I provide the documents for the purchase of the vehicle, I formally provided the same to the appropriate authorities, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Committee led by Mr Kelly Okungbowa. To date, I have been met with an inexplicable and deafening silence.
Make no mistake—this controversy is not about a vehicle. It is a targeted attempt to discredit me for reasons that are all too clear. It is about weaponising bureaucracy and media narratives to serve political interests and settle scores. Mr Kelly Okungbowa voiced this in one of the many videos he is producing and starring in.
To those driving this smear campaign, I say this: your tactics are glaringly transparent. The discerning people of Edo State and Nigerians at large are wise enough to see through this charade.
I remain fully prepared to confront these allegations head-on with verifiable facts and documented proof. I will not allow falsehoods to take root unchallenged. My actions were legal, transparent, and above board:
– The vehicle was legally acquired.
– The restoration was personally financed.
– My intentions were pragmatic, principled, and completely devoid of wrongdoing.
I urge the public to disregard this politically motivated distraction and remain focused on the issues that truly matter. For my part, I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and service, no matter the political headwinds I face.
This statement stands as a declaration of truth—a clear light amidst the fog of misinformation and manipulation.
To my supporters and all well-meaning citizens, I thank you for your trust and confidence. I will rise above this distraction and continue the work of building a better future for our state.
Chris Osa Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary, Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee
