Okpebholo’s Budget Blunder: A Saga of Stumbles and Defenders 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State recently became the subject of online buzz after his rather memorable presentation of the state’s 2025 budget. During the session, Okpebholo struggled to pronounce the N605 billion figure, repeatedly stumbling over the numbers. His visible discomfort only added to the viral nature of the moment.

The video quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions. On one hand, viewers found the governor’s flustered delivery funny. On the other, many were quick to criticize his inability to handle such basic figures in a public setting, raising questions about his preparedness.

Then, the acting Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, jumped to the governor’s defence, even suggesting that Okpebholo’s stuttering was a sign of his integrity. In other words, because the governor is innocent and has no intentions to steal, he is unfamiliar with large numbers.

And while Tenebe’s defense was far from subtle, it has stirred a great deal of conversation online. Some critics think it went too far in dismissing the significance of Okpebholo’s blunder.

But things did not stay funny for too long. Tenebe added fuel to the fire when he reportedly made threats to a critic who had mocked the governor’s budget gaffe, telling the fellow that he will soon be forced out of Edo. This comment was viewed by many as an overreaction, prompting calls for his resignation from some quarters and concerns over threats to free speech and political dissent.

The whole episode has ultimately drawn attention not just to Okpebholo’s budgeting misstep but to the way political figures react under pressure. While some, like Tenebe, passionately defended the governor, others questioned whether such gaffes should be overlooked or treated with more seriousness. Either way, it seems that Okpebholo’s budget blunder is likely to remain a talking point in the state for some time.