Edo’s Response to Federal Rice Aid
At a press conference in Benin, Chris Nehikhare criticised the federal government’s rice aid as inadequate. He pointed out that the twenty trucks of rice were not enough for Edo’s nearly seven million residents. Nehikhare described the aid as “a drop in the ocean,” underscoring its insufficiency.
Distribution of Rice Amidst Political Tensions
Nehikhare explained that the rice was sent directly to IDP camps, orphanages, and other groups following the provided guidelines. He denied APC and federal officials’ accusations of mismanagement, asserting all rice was fully accounted for. The commissioner stressed that the distribution was transparent and adhered strictly to the guidelines, without state interference.
Political Allegations and Election Fears
The commissioner also exposed an alleged plot by the APC to incite civil unrest ahead of the upcoming governorship elections on September 21. He criticized the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo, for lacking competence and intellectual maturity, suggesting that the APC’s tactics were desperate measures stemming from their candidate’s inadequacies.
APC Counters with Accusations of Mismanagement
In response, the Director of Publicity for the Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-ojo, accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of economic mismanagement and using anti-government protests to cover his tracks. Omo-ojo claimed that the governor had hoarded essential supplies, which led to spontaneous public searches and recoveries of hidden stockpiles.
Ongoing Political Strife and Economic Challenges
The accusations from both sides underscore the intense political and economic strife in Edo State as the election approaches. The situation reflects broader national issues of governance, transparency, and public trust amidst economic challenges.
Public Reaction and Continued Debates
As both parties prepare for the upcoming elections, the public remains caught in the middle of these accusations, with many calling for transparency and accountability from their leaders. The situation in Edo is a microcosm of the larger political dynamics at play in Nigeria, highlighting the deep divides and challenges facing the nation.
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