The South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the gauntlet, urging Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to provide a comprehensive account of his accomplishments since taking the reins of leadership. The party has underscored its dissatisfaction with Obaseki’s alleged lack of achievements during his more than seven-year tenure, contrasting his performance with the developmental strides of his predecessor, former Nigeria Labour Congress President, Adams Oshiomhole.
Blessing Agbomhere, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the APC, firmly articulated the party’s stance. Agbomhere accused Obaseki of diverting attention from his purported incompetence by placing blame on President Tinubu’s new administration for the state’s dilapidated road infrastructure. Agbomhere vehemently contended that the incumbent governor was evading responsibility for his shortcomings.
Obaseki’s criticism of the Federal Government’s role in the deteriorating state of federal roads and the consequential hardships faced by the citizens following the removal of petrol subsidy was also targeted by Agbomhere’s statement. The APC spokesperson defended the removal of the fuel subsidy as a strategic move by President Tinubu’s administration to alleviate the strain on the nation’s resources.
Casting doubts on Obaseki’s tenure, the statement underscored the financial challenges the governor inherited upon taking office in 2008. It highlighted a substantial drop in the state’s monthly revenue and meager internal generated revenue (IGR) during a time of global economic crisis.
The party’s statement challenged Obaseki to substantiate his leadership with tangible accomplishments rather than relying on promises and Memoranda of Understanding. The party warned against Obaseki’s attempts to incite the people of Edo State against President Tinubu’s administration, while assuring the public of an impending transformation with the upcoming screening and swearing-in of cabinet ministers.
The statement read in part: “Despite taking over office in 2008 when the state’s monthly revenue dropped to N1.6 billion due to the world economic crisis while IGR was N30 million bringing the total to N1.9 billion.
“We therefore challenge the incumbent Governor Obaseki to show to the world what impact he has been able to make rather than the usual promises of Memorandum of Understanding which his government has been notorious for signing with fictitious entities with nothing to show for it.
“We call on Governor Obaseki to desist from inciting the people of Edo State against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. We urge Nigerians to be patient as the process of transformation will soon kick off with the screening and swearing in of cabinet ministers which is expected in the days ahead.”
As the political discourse intensifies, Edo State residents and Nigerians at large eagerly await a response from Governor Obaseki regarding the call for accountability and his administration’s performance.