Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The Edo State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council Publicity Committee on Sunday challenged Governor, Godwin Obaseki to come clean on the Radisson Hotel, describing it as a misplaced priority.
The publicity committee in a statement that was made available to journalists in Abuja, said they read the lame statement credited to Pastor Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, saying the statement is an afterthought, a collection of very watery accusations aimed at deflecting public attention from the many glaring shortcomings of the Obaseki-led PDP administration.
The Council’s statement read, “Nevertheless, the APC stands by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, our candidate and running mate for the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election. Senator Monday Okpebholo’s qualifications, vision, determination, and commitment to the people of Edo State are unmatched. Pastor Crusoe’s attempt to label our campaign as diversionary is a desperate move to distract from the failures of the PDP administration.
“On the allegations made by our party Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, about governance in our state, there is no doubt whatsoever that the so-called “transformations” under Governor Godwin Obaseki are founded on inefficiency and lack of transparency. The ERP system is an exorbitant fraud with questionable implementation. Transparency has been crucified under the Obaseki administration.
“The attack on the APC’s understanding of e-governance is laughable. Our party fully supports technological advancements that promote efficiency and transparency. However, the Obaseki administration’s implementation of these systems is flawed and raises more questions than answers.
“The investment in the Radisson Hotel is another example of the PDP government’s misplaced priorities to find where to drain the state resources to private pockets. While international brands are welcome, the focus should be on improving the lives of Edo people through sustainable development projects that benefit the majority, not just a select few. The daily rising costs of the hotel project reflect poor financial management,l carried out by Governor Obaseki’s Afrinvest, exacerbated by the corruption tendencies of the state administration.
“As for the refinery project, it has not delivered the significant benefits that were promised. The same is true of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, which has deprived indigenous farmers of farm lands, with nothing to show for the everyday lives of our people.
“The real issues facing Edo State, orchestrated by the Obaseki government, are poor economic management, infrastructure decay, and inadequate social services. The APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to addressing these challenges with a clear and actionable plan that prioritizes the well-being of all Edo citizens.
“In his haste to respond to matters he clearly knows nothing about, Pastor Crusoe failed to answer the questions which the APC Chairman, Mr. Jarret Tenebe, highlighted. These include: Who owns Radisson Hotel? What is the percentage share of the Edo State government in the investment? Who owns the refineries? What is the Edo State government’s equity share in the company? These are important questions his long epistle failed to address.
“Let the Edo State government focus on these issues, without the diversionary tactics they are unduly accusing the APC of.
“We have accepted the challenge to provide evidence for the monumental fraud that has taken place in the last eight years of Obaseki’s administration. APC will make public the criminal approvals and contract variations that has increased the contract sum by well over 40%. We shall also show to Edo State the insider transaction with Banwo and Ighodalo law firm and the use of Governor Obaseki’s Afrinvest as financial managers in the various projects in Edo State.
“Crusoe cleverly kept mute over the our revelation that the state Governor is presently being investigated for financial misappropriation which has led to the invitation of the Commissioner of finance and the Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie the PDP governorship running mate.
“We, therefore, reiterate our call on the Edo public to see through the outgoing PDP administration’s attempts to misinform, mislead, and distract, and reject them. The APC remains focused on delivering a prosperous and well-governed Edo State. On September 21, we urge all Edo people to vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo: he is the candidate who is truly prepared to lead Edo and make a difference, ensuring a better future for all.”
