Oshiomhole accuses FG of N800million fraud

Governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole on Monday has accused the Federal Government of allegedly spending N800 million for a water project in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, which he claimed was never executed.

Oshiomhole made this known at the inauguration of the 24-kilometre Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe-Imiekuri-Ohu road project in the state. He said that records at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, showed that the project had been completed by the Peoples Democratic Party-led FG, but no single water pipe was laid in the locality.‎ “Hope you are aware that PDP records in the Ministry of Water Resources in Abuja say that they have completed the Okpella water scheme with 800 million Naira. That is the story of Nigeria everywhere. For us, Edo State cannot return to the past. This party that specialises 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 N10, 000 and N20, 000 loans to people to tie them down. Let me ask you, if I choose to take N1, 0000, 000 out of the money for this road project, how many of you can I share it with? I will share it with 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 N5, 000 for election and those who will use the money to work,” he said.
While explaining the benefits of the road project to the surrounding communities, he noted that the second road project in Okpella would commence within a week and added that his administration would continue to spread socioeconomic development across the state.‎
He said his administration would continue to spread socioeconomic development across the state. “I believe that the primary purpose of government is to bring development to the people. We don’t do projects to deceive the people and that is why whatever we choose to do is properly done. For me, we have only one purpose in government: to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of people in the shortest possible time. My joy today and I encourage you to reflect, all of the things that have been listed are the things that we have accomplished in six years. But always remember that Nigerian democracy is sixteen years now,‎” he added.
In his remarks, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRH Alhaji A. Y. E. Dirisu, said the history for the request for the construction of this road dated back to 2011, when he led a delegation of some members of the community on a courtesy visit 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 commitment to execute the project in conformity with what has come to be known as the high Oshiomhole standards.
The Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie, explained that the project was a continuation of the state government’s commitment to bring development to the people and open up every part of the state.