The Edo State Government has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for abandoning the Benin-Auchi Road, a critical federal artery, for over nine years.
In a statement signed by Chris Osa Nehikhare, Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, which was made available to Truth Live News, the State Government lamented that the deplorable condition of the road has caused immense hardship for commuters and motorists.
The statement furthered by expressing disappointment at the APC’s hypocrisy in attacking the State Government for the road’s condition while neglecting their own responsibility.
The statement also condemned the APC’s resort to propaganda and lies, using the road as a campaign tool in the forthcoming Governorship election.
“Benin-Auchi Road is too important to be a propaganda tool! Propaganda and lies are not a strategy.
“The APC Federal Government has failed to maintain this critical road, and now they are trying to use it as a political tool.
“We will not let politics compromise the welfare of our citizens,” the statement reads partly.
The State Government added that the APC’s neglect of the road, despite repeated calls for attention, prompted the hardworking Governor Obaseki to seek private sector intervention through Corporate Social Responsibility.
“It is not surprising that the APC is playing politics with a critical road project such as the Benin-Auchi, their responsibility which they have abandoned for over 9 years.
“Everyone is fully aware that since the APC in Edo is bereft of projects to campaign with, they are now trying to be creative.
“The only work ongoing in the Benin/Auchi Road presently, is being carried out by Dangote and BUA, as kart of their Corporate Social Responsibility,” the statement added.
The Edo State Government therefore urged the APC to take responsibility for their failure to maintain the road and stop playing politics with the lives of citizens.