- The Edo APC has accused the state government of abandoning the Benin Storm Water Project, which they say is responsible for the state capital’s erosion and flooding
- The Edo State Government has responded by accusing the APC of mismanaging federal funds and demolishing public and private properties
- The governor’s office has also said that the APC is insensitive to the plight of the people of Edo State
The Edo Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed on Wednesday in Benin that the state government’s abandonment of the Benin Storm Water Project, initiated by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, was to blame for the state capital’s erosion and flooding.
The party claimed that when completed, the Benin Storm Water Project would address the issue of erosion and flooding in Benin and that the project’s lack of progress had contributed to Edo’s worsening flood and erosion problems.
The Edo State Government, on the other hand, expressed shock that the Edo APC had the audacity to speak at a time when the party at the national level had thrown the entire country into untold hardship through its insensitive policies, adding that it was shameful that the APC would choose to slap Nigerians in the faces.
Addressing journalists in Benin, Edo APC Chairman Col. David Imuse rtd claimed that the state government under Obaseki had engaged in gross mismanagement of federal funds allotted to the state over time.
Over 16 billion naira, was refunded to the state under the watch of Obaseki for the Federal Road fixed by his predecessor in office, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his tenure as governor.
Additionally, another 21 billion naira was given to Edo state from the Oil Derivation funds, which are intended for oil-producing states like ours, for infrastructural development, road inclusive.
What we know is that Governor Obaseki presided over the misappropriation of these monies without recourse to this critical sector of our living.
In addition to these financial improprieties, Obaseki has shown a disturbing pattern of demolishing public and private properties including but not restricted to the Central hospital.
Instead of prioritizing crucial infrastructural developments, Mr Obaseki has chosen to build supermarkets all over the state which are over 45% owned by him and his cronies.
It is unacceptable that the governor would prioritize personal interests over addressing the urgent needs of our transportation infrastructure among other areas of great importance to our people
The statement made by the Edo State government, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting its responsibilities, is a clear attempt to divert attention from these failures and mismanagement, Imuse alleged.
Imuse, on the other hand, assured the people of Edo State that the APC-led federal government was committed to addressing the state’s road infrastructure challenges, adding that the FG was prioritizing and expediting the necessary repairs on the state’s major roads.
In a swift response, the governor, through his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the APC allegations as a slap in the face to the people of Edo State, adding that the party is insensitive to their plight.
Instead of Imuse to come to Edo people with unreserved apologies over their obvious failure to steady the ship of State, he is sauntering around with arrogant statements, grandstanding and attempting to shift the blame for the suffering of the masses to an innocent Governor, whose effort in the efficient management of the Edo economy has so far prevented a descent into anarchy.
Imuse in his statement repeatedly spoke about a certain N16 billion that was refunded to the Edo State Government from the alleged intervention in the repair of Federal Roads by Adams Oshiomhole, when he was governor.
He, however, conveniently left out the fact that the same Adams Oshiomhole left the state with nothing less than N160 billion debt expended on various jamborees, including the so-called Federal Roads that he fixed while seriously needed infrastructure and economic development in the State suffered.
Imuse may not have regard for his leaders including the Governor of Edo but he should at least spare a thought for innocent Nigerians who are paying the ultimate price daily on the various completely dilapidated Federal Roads around Edo, he said.