Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
In a scathing response to recent criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Edo State Government has vehemently defended the transformative initiatives of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, minced no words as he rebuked the APC’s dismissal of key developmental projects, labeling their stance as reflective of a political ethos grounded in self-serving agendas rather than public welfare.
Nehikhare highlighted the recent commissioning of the new Labour House and the construction of the Temboga road as pivotal examples of Obaseki’s commitment to sustainable development. He lamented the APC’s inability to appreciate these endeavors, attributing their disdain to a long-standing penchant for divisive politicking that prioritizes narrow interests over the broader needs of the populace.
According to him, “It is curious to learn that the All Progressives Congress (APC) finds the building of a Labour House and the construction of an access road in the Temboga area in bad taste just because they want to play politics.”
Drawing a sharp contrast between the governing approach of Obaseki and the modus operandi of the APC, Nehikhare pointed out the meticulous planning and foresight embedded in the governor’s initiatives. He emphasized Obaseki’s dedication to fostering long-term benefits for Edo State, citing initiatives such as the comprehensive basic education reforms, the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), and strategic investments in industrialization and technology.
“But we are not surprised by their lack of understanding because they have always been used to subversive politics that have never placed the people at the center of development. In their reasoning, projects should only be constructed for the benefit of few people, and not for the generality of the people.”
Nehikhare further revealed that Governor Obaseki is in the final stages of crafting a 30-year development plan, aimed at ensuring sustained progress and prosperity for the state. He derided the APC’s shortsightedness, drawing parallels between their mismanagement at the national level and their inability to grasp the significance of forward-thinking governance.
“If they had paid close attention, they would know that the Labour House project was ongoing for well over two years and was not hurriedly constructed as they are wont to do when they want to deceive unsuspecting members of the public. The term ‘Greek Gift’ which they bandied carelessly is their go-to model and we are not sorry that the import of the project is lost on them.”
Issuing a stern admonition to the APC, Nehikhare urged the opposition party to engage in constructive critique rather than resorting to baseless attacks. He urged them to focus on presenting viable alternatives rather than indulging in political grandstanding. With the 2024 gubernatorial election looming, Nehikhare called upon the APC to channel their energies into promoting their candidate with substance and merit, rather than engaging in futile mudslinging.
He said: “From massive investment in basic education reforms which are intended to build a workforce of the future, to the impactful Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) to the governor’s industrialization drive through private-sector led investments in power, energy and technology, no one else has demonstrated a better commitment to making Edo a State better prepared for the future.
“The governor is finalizing the 30-year development plan, which will be enacted as law to ensure that the State maintains a defined development trajectory. This is the best form of thinking and working for the future. But we know the APC cannot understand this because even at the national level, they have been unable to manage our fortunes leading to the halving of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last 10 years. For them, there is no plan for the future, it is all about eating the ‘seed yam.”‘
The Edo State Government’s unequivocal response serves as a staunch defense of Governor Obaseki’s vision for the state, emphasizing the imperative of governance that prioritizes the long-term interests and well-being of the people over partisan agendas.