The Edo State Government has condemned a statement by governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 21 September Edo governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo where he allegedly said in a British Broadcasting Service (BBC) Pidgin English programme that if he fixes a federal road for N10 Million, that he would write for a claim of N20 million.
In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare on behalf of the state government, described the statement as irresponsible, adding that it exposes the APC as a party that priotises personal gain over the welfare of the people.
The statement pointed out that the comment confirms Edo State government’s fears that the APC were seeking powers in the state to execute treasury heist.
According to the statement, “I am compelled to express my deep concern and outright condemnation of the recent statements made by the APC governorship candidate in Edo State.
“In an interview with BBC Pidgin, he brazenly suggested that if he were to fix roads for 10 million naira, he would invoice for 20 million naira. This statement is not only irresponsible but also exposes the APC as a party that prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of the people.
“Such comments confirm what many of us have long suspected: that the APC’s primary motivation for seeking governance in Edo State is to execute a treasury heist that they have been planning for the past eight years. This blatant display of financial ignorance and a lack of integrity is a stark reminder that they have not changed.
“The people of Edo deserve leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and genuine service. We must collectively express our disgust at this kind of rhetoric, which undermines our progress and the trust of the citizens.
“Let us stand united in rejecting these irresponsible attitudes and demand better for our state. We need leaders who will work towards the development and prosperity of Edo, not those who seek to exploit it for personal enrichment”.