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The Edo State Government has announced its efforts to use “deodorant” and effective governance to address the pollution caused by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration over the past eight years in the state.
According to DAILY POST, Prince Kassim Afegbua, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, made this remark in response to a press statement issued by the main opposition party, the PDP, in Benin City on Wednesday.
The PDP's press statement was titled, “Edo State under Okpebholo: A Year of Drift, Democratic Rupture, and Systematic Destruction of Institutional Legacy.”
The party accused the Governor Okpebholo-led APC government of mismanaging state and local government funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), along with poor governance over the past year, despite the substantial financial resources amounting to tens of billions of naira that have been allocated to the state.
In his response, Kassim Afegbua asserted that the state government has moved forward and left behind the issues raised by the PDP.
He expressed that addressing the PDP's claims was a waste of mental energy, as the government is focused on rectifying the mess left by the opposition party, using “deodorant” and effective governance as tools to cleanse the state of their pollution.
“As I mentioned earlier, this group of PDP supporters is merely lamenting because the state’s resources have been taken away from their grasp, and they are now realizing that Edo State is beyond their control.
“We are too occupied with rectifying their mistakes to engage in such debates. Rational citizens of Edo appreciate our efforts thus far, but the PDP's group of deceitful individuals will always act as expected,” he stated.
Regarding the allegations that the state government is compiling a list of alleged offenses committed by former Governor Godwin Obaseki for anti-corruption agencies, the commissioner suggested that those guilty will always be on the run, becoming fugitives in their own country.
He remarked that if the former governor did not have anything to hide, he would readily return home, alleging that due to his involvement in various financial misconducts, he continues to seek excuses to stay abroad.
“His legacy of decay and corruption in Edo State will forever haunt him. His history of corruption and extravagance will always trouble him. If he does not wish to return to face inquiries, we will petition the relevant security agencies to compel him to come back.
“There is no hiding place for anyone in today’s interconnected world. If he believes that the small island he resides on in the UK will shield him from our scrutiny, he is mistaken.
“We are neither coercing nor intimidating him to return; we are simply asking him to come and account for his eight years in office during which he managed Edo State’s collective resources. This is not an unreasonable request,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Edo State Government doing about past governance issues?
The Edo State Government is using effective governance and strategies to address the pollution created by the previous PDP-led administration over the past eight years.
What accusations did the PDP make against the current government?
The PDP accused the APC government of mismanaging funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and failing to provide good governance despite significant financial resources available to the state.
What does the state government say about former Governor Obaseki?
The state government claims that former Governor Obaseki is avoiding accountability for his actions during his tenure and is allegedly hiding due to his involvement in financial misconduct.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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