Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government of stealing N800 million for a water project that was never executed in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the construction of 24-km Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe-Imiekuri-Ohu road project with a spur to Awuyemi in Okpella, the second road project to be so flagged-off in the state within a week, Oshiomhole said records at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, shows that the project has been completed, yet no single water pipe was laid in the locality.
According to Oshiomhole, “I am happy to be here to fulfill 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”.
Oshiomhole noted “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.
“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”.
The governor pointed out that “the PDP has destroyed every institution of state and before they destroy us, we must remove them. 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 eight hundred million naira. That is the story of Nigeria everywhere”.
He said “what we are doing today is not just a road project connecting many communities; we are following our standard specifications. You have the asphalt base and on top of that we put the stone base. In many of the areas we would ensure that there is drainage, because if there is no drainage the road will not last”.
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 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”.
In a welcome remark, the State Commissioner for Works, Hon Osarodion Ogie, described the road project as a continuation of Mr. Oshiomohle’s commitment to taking development to the people and opening up every part of the state.
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