Edo Pressure Group Lambast Obaseki Over Poor Performance [Details]

An Edo state based pressure group, Coalition of Benin Socio Cultural Organisations on Wednesday carpeted the Edo State government accusing it of not fulfilling numerous campaign promises just as it said the opposition parties in the state were not living up to expectations as checks on the government and described the state house of assembly as rubber stamp.

But in a swift reaction, the Special Adviser, Media Projects to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie described the group as an unknown association sponsored by politicians that he said his boss has sent out of job since the 2020 governorship election with his new brand of politics.

He said “As reputable organisations, the media should know the difference between empty allegations from a group of politicians displaced by the new brand of politics promoted by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki and real criticism meant to promote good governance.

“The only thing new about these lies and those who promote them is that they have incorporated a few more recently displaced individuals who for their personal, pecuniary interests recently tried to destabilise the harmony within the PDP in Edo State but failed miserably.

“As for each and every point made in their copious allegations, they are all complete lies, which are not even intelligently told. We call on all Edo people and Nigerians to completely ignore them.”

Addressing a press conference in Benin City, Coordinator General of the group Osaze Amas Edobor flanked by other leaders of the group accused the government of ceding community lands to his cronies for private uses just he queried what has become of the Benin River Port, Industrial Park and others.

He also accused the governor of not adequately deploying his monthly security votes to check the spate of insecurity in the state.

He said “Why haven’t you been able to conduct Local Government elections in the state, and why are allocations meant for local governments diverted?

“What was your intention of privatizing Edo Specialist Hospital which was built to deliver affordable healthcare services to the downtrodden and general good of Edo people?

“Why are you not willing to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into Law inspite of the persistent menace/killings by herdsmen?

“What was the N16 billion given to you by the Federal Government for the construction of Federal roads executed by your Predecessor used for by your administration?

“Why haven’t you implemented the EndSars Panel Report even after you publicly promised that you will implement it to the fullest?

“Before the construction of Azura Power Plant , we were told 14 -15 percent shares were for Edo state but after the completion of the Power Plant, the entire shares were sold. Therefore, we want to know why you sold our shares, who you sold it to and where are the proceeds?

“Why are Opposition Parties in the State not playing their roles as alternative force by keeping the Governor on his toes with constructive criticism and providing succour to Edo people?”