Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged that the state government abandonment of the N30 billion Benin Storm water project, initiated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, is responsible for the erosion and flooding in the state capital.
The Party claimed that the Benin storm water project upon completion is intended to address the issue of erosion and flooding in Benin, adding that the lack of progress in the project has contributed to the worsening flood and erosion problems in Edo.
Addressing newsmen in Benin, the Edo APC Chairman, Col. David Imuse rtd, alleged that the state government under Obaseki has engaged in gross misuse of funds allocated to Edo by the Federal government 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 these 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, however, assured the people of Edo that the APC-led federal government is committed to addressing the road infrastructure challenges in the state, adding that FG is prioritising as well as expediting the necessary repairs on the major federal roads in Edo state.
In a swift reaction, the governor through his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the allegations of the APC as a slap on the faces of Edo State, adding that the party is insensitive to the plights of the people.
He said: “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 State 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 State”.