PeakNews Online
Benin City, July 9, 2024 — The Edo State Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the APC-led Federal Government, blaming it for the severe economic hardships faced by the people of Edo State and Nigeria.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, addressed journalists in Benin City, outlining the government’s concerns.
Nehikhare highlighted several key issues, including the abrupt withdrawal of fuel subsidies by the APC Government on May 29, 2023, which he claimed caused economic chaos and pushed many Nigerians to the brink of starvation. He also criticized the policy to unify the exchange rate, arguing that it devalued the currency, increased inflation, and negatively impacted the economic landscape.
“In addition to these economic missteps, the APC government has stifled business growth by increasing taxes and burdening small businesses,” Nehikhare said. “The nation is also experiencing a resurgence of terrorism, with incidents of suicide bombings on the rise.”
Nehikhare accused the APC in Edo State of ignoring these issues and spreading misinformation. He was responding to fraud allegations made by the APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, against the Obaseki administration. Tenebe had questioned the government’s investment in the Edo Radisson hotel and raised concerns about its ownership.
Nehikhare dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating, “It is a show of shame to see them wave worthless pieces of paper as evidence of nonexistent fraud against a state government that has upheld transparency and accountability.”
Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, also defended the government’s investment in the hotel, explaining that it was necessary due to the lack of standard hotels in the state. He clarified that the government plans to divest from the hotel in the future, retaining only a small stake.
Nehikhare concluded by urging the people of Edo State to support the PDP in the upcoming governorship election on September 21, 2024. “Our people are determined to break from this bondage and sustain the leadership of the PDP at the state level for continued progress and prosperity,” he said.
The APC Chairman’s allegations and the subsequent response from the Edo State Government highlight the political tensions as the state prepares for the forthcoming election.
