“Why PDP cannot resolve its crisis”
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Hon. Sunny Aguebor, popularly known as Bibi, is a respected businessman and politician. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the BIBI Group of Companies, he has played a significant role in Edo State’s hospitality sector. At 62, Aguebor reflects on his journey in business and politics and shares candid opinions on the current state of governance, the economy, and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this exclusive interview with The Correspondent editors, he declares without hesitation: “PDP cannot resolve its crisis.”
Excerpts:
Q: How do you feel at 62?
A: I am extremely appreciative and grateful to God.
Q: How has business been lately, particularly in the hospitality sector where you dominate?
A: Business has not been easy, but we thank God. As a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos, I understand that business comes with profit and loss. However, these recent losses are deliberate—brought about by terrible government policies. For instance, the government suddenly hiked electricity tariffs by over 300%. For thirty years, we paid around N300,000 monthly, but now we are being asked to pay N4 million. That’s devastating. The economy is biting hard; customers are fewer, and people can’t even fuel their cars anymore. The government needs to review its policies so that businesses can breathe.
Q: Please tell us how this new electricity policy has impacted your operations.
A: We were moved to Band A with a promise of 20 hours of electricity, but that has not happened. Instead, our bill jumped from N300,000 to almost N4 million monthly, yet power is not steady—sometimes we go 24 to 48 hours without light. We still burn diesel, so the cost is double. If the electricity were regular, we could employ more people. This situation is unsustainable, and it’s the same story across the sector. Businesses are dying slowly, and if we go into extinction, it will worsen the economy.
Q: Compare the immediate past government in Edo and the current one.
A: The past government did well in infrastructure and governance, particularly the Ossiomo power plant, which sadly isn’t functioning now. If it were, we would have benefited greatly. However, that government lacked empathy. They ignored locals and brought in outsiders from Lagos to enjoy the benefits. The current government, under Governor Okpebholo, is correcting that by patronizing locals and identifying with the people. That’s commendable. But they must also consolidate on the good initiatives of the past administration and address concerns like the rise of agbero influence. The government must also respect due process in tackling cultism—don’t demolish people’s houses without legal backing.
Q: Your party, PDP, is in crisis nationally and almost empty in Edo. Are you still waiting?
A: I remain in PDP and I still believe in the party. Our candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is in court challenging the last governorship election. The case is ongoing, possibly up to the Supreme Court. It would be morally wrong to defect now when our candidate is still seeking justice. But truthfully, the
