16th February, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has accused the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government of diverting N800 million for a water project that was never executed in Okpella, Etsako East local government area of the state.
Oshiomhole who spoke on Monday at the flag-off of the 24-km Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe-Imiekuri-Ohu road project with a spur to Awuyemi in Okpella, disclosed that records at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, showed that the project has been completed, yet no single water pipe was laid in the locality.
“I am happy to be here to fulfil one of the promises I made to the people of this community. We have done schools, light, and water and now roads. I believe that the primary purpose of government is to bring development to the people.
“I am happy to hear from your highness that the people of the state recognize that our projects are not political projects. We don’t do projects to deceive the people and that is why whatever we choose to do is properly done,” he said.
The governor noted that his only purpose in government was to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of people in the shortest possible time, just as he reminded the people of the community that all the things listed are the things that his government has accomplished in six years, even though Nigerian democracy is 16 years now.
“When I look at what we have achieved in six years I ask you always not to forget that when I came in we have had PDP for ten years. In this kingdom the PDP cannot show you one red roof in ten years. Today your government has delivered to the Edo child not only a red roof, beautiful classrooms; we also abolished all forms of collections.
“I am happy that we are flagging off the construction of roads that would link various communities in Okpella Kingdom,” he stressed.
The Governor remarked “For us Edo state cannot return to the past. This party that specializes in stealing, they have stolen a lot. Government may be broke, but individuals are so rich. I hear in Fugar they suddenly came out with a foundation, they are giving ten and twenty thousand naira loan to people to tie them down.
“Let me ask you: if I choose to take one billion naira out of the money for this road project, how many of you can I share it to, I will share it to so many people, but how long will it last, so I need you to choose between those who will steal the money and give you five thousand for election and those who will use the money to work,” he said.
In his remarks, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRH Alhaji A. Y.E Dirisu, who expressed delight at the flag-off of the project, disclosed that the history for the request for the construction of this road dates back to 2011 when he led a delegation of some members of the community on a courtesy to the governor.
“We are delighted to report that even when some of our people were beginning to assume the status of doubting Thomases, you remained consistent in assuring all and sundry of avowed commitment to execute the project in conformity with has come to been known as the high Oshiomhole standards,” he said.
In a welcome remark, the Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie said the project is a continuation of the governor’s commitment to taking development to the people and and opening up every part of the state.