The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern rebuke to Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to desist from acquiring further loans, citing concerns over the state’s escalating debt burden and fiscal mismanagement.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Jarrett Tenebe, the acting Chairman of the state APC, lambasted the recent approval of a purported “N9 billion” loan by the House of Assembly, labeling it unnecessary and warning of dire financial consequences for the state.
Tenebe raised alarm over Edo’s existing debt profile, revealing figures of N135 billion and $35.6 billion, asserting that the governor’s relentless pursuit of loans threatens to push the state into deeper financial distress. He criticized Obaseki’s administration for its alleged lack of transparency in disclosing the purpose of the loans and questioned the absence of corresponding development projects in the budget.
Highlighting the economic hardships endured by Edo residents under Obaseki’s leadership, Tenebe called for an end to what he described as reckless borrowing practices that purportedly benefit the governor and his associates at the expense of the state’s development.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, dismissed the APC’s accusations as baseless and misinformed, asserting that opposition politics should be driven by intellect and constructive engagement rather than unfounded allegations.
Nehikhare refuted claims of exorbitant debt figures, emphasizing that Edo’s debt profile is publicly accessible and falls within reasonable limits. He clarified that the recent loan approval aimed to fund strategic projects, including the procurement of electric buses to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The war of words between the APC and the state government underscores escalating tensions ahead of political contests in Edo. As accusations fly and rhetoric intensifies, the battle for public opinion and electoral support continues to shape the landscape of Edo’s political arena.
