Edo Govt, APC in Blame Game over Poor State of Federal Roads

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The controversy generated by the bad condition of federal roads in Edo State continued yesterday, with the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing Governor Godwin Obaseki of failing in his responsibilities to the people of the state.

Obaseki had earlier accused the federal government of abandoning the fixing of its roads in the state.

However, yesterday, the Edo State Chairman of the APC, Col. David Imuse (retd), while addressing journalists in Benin, said “I am addressing you today with regards to the recent statement made by the Edo State government regarding the state of Federal Roads in the state. We want to use this forum as a vehicle to bring the attention of the good people of our state to the failures of the current administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, which greatly exacerbated the issue at hand.

“First and foremost, it is important to note that the Benin Storm water project, which was intended to address the issue of flooding and erosion in Benin City, was not completed by the Governor Obaseki. This lack of progress has contributed to the worsening flood and erosion problems in our state.

“Furthermore, the state government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki has engaged in gross misuse of funds allocated to Edo state by the federal government over time.

“You are aware that over N16 billion was refunded to the state under the watch of Obaseki for the federal roads fixed by his predecessor in office, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his tenure as governor.

“Additionally, another N21 billion 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 which land he allocated to his friends to build a museum that will not see the light of day.

“Instead of prioritising crucial infrastructural developments, Mr Obaseki has chosen to build supermarkets all over the state which are over 45 per cent owned by him and his cronies.

“These actions demonstrate a clear lack of vision, responsibility and a disregard for the well-being of the people of Edo state.

“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, was a clear attempt to divert attention from the failures and mismanagement, Imuse alleged.

He explained that the federal government was prioritising and expediting the necessary repairs on the major federal roads in Edo State, adding that the lives and well-being of Edo people like that of all Nigerians was too vital to politicised as Obaseki had been doing.

“We urge the people of Edo state not to be deceived by the propaganda and political games of the Obaseki administration. The burning question Edo People should ask Governor Obaseki is ‘What did he do with the N16 billion refunded by the federal government to Edo State as money used by his predecessor to repair Federal Roads coupled with the N21 billion derivation funds?’

“We must see through these falsehoods and hold Governor Obaseki accountable for his failures. His lamentation is the last kick of a dying horse”, Imuse added.

But in its reaction, the Edo State Government said Imuse’s statement was a slap on the faces of citizens of the state and, indeed, all Nigerians, considering the fact that it was his party, the APC, that was superintending over the gradual liquidation of the Nigerian State.

The Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, who spoke for the Government, in a statement, said “A litre of fuel which used to sell for N159 now sells for N700; one dollar which exchanged for N150, today goes for N870 and above; a pound which exchanged for between N850 and N900, is now exchanging over N1,100.

“Nigeria is gasping for breath under the chokehold of the APC.

“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.

“The least they expect from the Federal Government is to live up to their responsibilities of protecting their lives and properties.”