A Text of Press briefing delivered by Col. Dr David Imuse Retd. Chairman, APC, Edo state, at the State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress APC, Edo State on the 26th July, 2023.
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
Thank you for joining me for this important briefing today. Although it has been a while we last gathered like this, I am not oblivious of the fact that you are all working tirelessly to help our state move forward despite the antics of the outgoing Obaseki regime.
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 junta. This lack of progress has contributed to the worsening flood and erosion problems in our state.
Furthermore, the party less 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 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, Governor 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 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.
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, is a clear attempt to divert attention from these failures and mismanagement. It is disheartening to see such petty politics being played when the lives and safety of innocent Edo citizen albeit Nigerians are at stake.
I assure the good people of Edo state that the APC-led federal government is committed to addressing the road infrastructure challenges in our state. We understand the frustrations that our citizens face on a daily basis, and we are dedicated to finding a lasting solution, since the governor has abandoned his responsibility.
The Federal Government is prioritizing and expediting the necessary repairs on the major federal roads in Edo state. The lives and well-being of Edo people like that of all Nigerians is too vital to politicized as Obaseki has 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. The APC-led federal government remains committed to working for the betterment of Edo state and its citizens.
Signed
Col Dr David Imuse rtd
Chairman APC Edo State
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