Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday presented the estimated budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
However, his presentation was marked by a moment of confusion that quickly went viral on social media. In a one-minute, 17-second video, Okpebholo struggled to pronounce the N605 billion figure in the Appropriation Bill, stuttering several times while attempting to get the amount right.
The governor’s repeated errors prompted laughter and noise in the chamber, as he attempted to say the figure correctly.
“The Edo State 2025 budget… appropriation bill of six billion, sixty and fifty, six hundred five billion, seventy-six thousand, seventy-six million…”
Okpebholo stumbled before pausing to correct himself.
“Five hundred six billion, six hundred and five billion… sorry, seven hundred, seventy-six billion… sorry. It’s confusing me,” he said, prompting an intervention from the Speaker to restore order in the chamber.
After the brief interruption, the governor regained his composure and continued, stating, “Six hundred and five billion and details of the budget proposal for your consideration and approval. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
DAILY GAZETTE recall that Okpebholo assumed office as governor in November following his victory in the off-cycle election.
The video
