Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki and his PDP-led government over the failure to find a lasting solution to regular fire incidents which ravage major markets in Benin City, the Edo State capital, particularly at the end of the year.
The criticism was made by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the Edo Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council(PCC), in a statement accused the Obaseki-administration of “unconscionable negligence, especially on the issue of incessant fire incidents reducing people’s livelihoods and means of economic survival to ashes.”
His statement came after another fire incident was recorded at the new Lagos Road Market, after similar disasters at the Oba Market, Ekiosa Market, and Santana Market.
He said, “Every December, innocent women and traders in Edo State are made to suffer the terrible tragedy of seeing their life investments, and possibly sole means of economic survival, destroyed by fire outbreaks enabled by the negligence and irresponsibility of the state government.
“What is most troubling is that these incidents have followed the same pattern within the life of the hapless Obaseki-administration, with no serious or proactive response from the government despite the heavy toll on the well-being of ordinary citizens, including market women who form the lifeblood of Edo State’s commerce.”
Mayaki questioned why the Obaseki-administration is ever so eager to exact high taxes on the citizens without providing the requisite public services expected of any responsible government to the people.
“It appears this administration, in keeping with the PDP’s approach of milking people and state without any tangible investment in public services and infrastructure, is only interested in raising and withdrawing taxes, without doing anything to help the people.”
Whilst commiserating with the victims, he urged them to punish the PDP with their votes in 2023 and “set Edo on a recourse of renewal beginning with the election of Tinubu at the top of the ballot, and candidates of the APC contesting state and federal elections in the state.”
His criticism comes after Godwin Obaseki came under fire for his perceived unaccountable management of the 13 percent oil derivation fund paid to the oil-generating states by the APC-led FG. Governor Obaseki and other PDP Governors had refused to disclose the payment before a revelation by Nyesom Wike of Rivers forced them to reluctantly acknowledge receipts.
According to Mayaki, “the shameful episode marks an important contrast between the APC and PDP. While we in the APC are committed to responsible governance and a collective approach to development that is devoid of destructive opposition politics, they in the PDP only know how to dodge responsibilities and render excuses to the people when confronted with indicting evidence of their non-transparency.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Media and Publicity Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has held its inaugural meeting in Benin City to set the agenda for its statewide engagement spanning all forms of media and with the objective of aiding the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, as the country’s next leader.
The meeting was convened and led by the State Chairman of the Committee, Mr John Mayaki, who was joined by other media stakeholders and influencers in the state. Participants examined media strategies and tactics relevant to its goal, while also setting the modalities for operations, including the creation of sub-committees and the appointment of other officials expected to join in the management of the operations.
The Committee endorsed the appointment of Hon. Nathaniel Osamede as State Director of Operations, Barrister Daniel Osa Ogbegie as the Deputy Director of Operations, and Osayuki Edosa as Information Director.
At the Senatorial level, Hon. Friday Aghedo will serve as the Coordinator of Edo South, Hon. Okojie Dominic as the Coordinator of Edo Central, and Mr. Ayewa Felix as the Coordinator of Edo North, Mr. Oriaifoh Godwins to head contact and mobilization unit while Mr. Ohio Omoh Freshness will serve as Secretary.
The Committee also resolved to meet with all the candidates of the party contesting elective positions in the state to compare notes and ensure effective collaboration focused on clinching total victory at the polls.
Mayaki stressed the need for the Committee to hit the ground running, given the rapid turn of events as the country moves closer to D-day.
Mayaki also urged the serious commitment of all appointees, while also promising the inclusion of others to ensure that the committee attains effective and full functionality, particularly in areas identified for interventions and engagement.
Some of the areas include content creation, media representation, faith engagement, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots engagement.
The Committee is expected to fill the following positions in the coming days: Finance Director, Media Director, Logistics Director, Welfare Director, NGOs Director, and Director for Events and Planning.
