Edo APC Asks Gov Obaseki to Account for Financial Support, Palliatives from Federal Government

By Reporter

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Edo state has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of aiding diversion of food palliatives allocated to the state by the federal government.

The party insisted that corrupt administration, bad agricultural policy coupled with diversion of federal government palliatives are responsible for hunger in Edo State.

The allegations is coming amidst discovery of bags of rice by protesters in Benin city on Thursday hidden at a private residence which protesters alleged belongs to the governor’s relative.

One of the protesters, in a viral video had diverted the attention of other protesters to a building, which belongs to one of the governor’s relations and they stormed the premises to loot bags of rice kept there.

The All Progressives Congress in a statement by the chairman, Jarrett Tenebe expressed concern over plan by Governor Obaseki and his faction of the People’s Democratic Party to frustrate the genuine efforts of the Federal Government to considerably reduce the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians, especially here in Edo State.

The governor was accused of refusal to account for the various financial grants and other palliatives his administration has received from the Federal Government.

“Instead, as usual, he wobbled and fumbled while struggling to blame his failure on his imaginary fictional story of plans by APC to attack government institutions in Edo State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we are once again calling on Edo people to hold their governor, Godwin Obaseki responsible for the hardship in their state, including the collapse of physical infrastructures across the state.

“The various initiatives put in place by the Federal Government have been frustrated by Obaseki and PDP in Edo State. For instance, the FG extended relief in the transportation sector, where citizens from States without rail lines were directed to pay 50 percent of transport fares at selected private transportation companies in Edo State for a specific period.

“Obaseki collected the reimbursement from Federal Government for services that were not provided on the pretence of free ride by Edo City Transport Service.

“Like the ostrich, Obaseki has been one double-face so called economic expert in the vanguard that pushed for subsidy removal but later acted like chameleon that he has become, and has been demonizing President Tinubu for refusing to put easy money in the pockets of few Nigerians.

“Obaseki and his PDP in Edo State had earlier commended President Tinubu for the decision to remove fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira.

“The PDP had said that, the two economic policies were spot on, and that it is the best way to go round the economy that had been grounded before the present Federal Government came on board. The PDP position was voiced by Tony Aziegbemi, it’s state chairman.

“For clarity sake, the APC on behalf of Edo people are asking Obaseki to give account for the financial, sectoral and institutional support from the Federal Government, World Bank and other bilateral agencies.”

The state government has however denied ownership of the catches of hidden rice. Governor Obaseki’s denial is contained in a press statement signed by Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Mr. Christopher Nehikhare. “Government does not have a warehouse in that location,” the statement insisted.

However, the photo of bags of rice that were brought out from a truck parked in front and inside of the property allegedly used for hoarding, read – ‘Edo State Food Support Programme’.

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