Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of securing loans between N2 billion and N5 billion to fund the inauguration of incoming Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new caretaker committee for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City, Obaseki expressed frustration over the APC’s financial practices, claiming his administration had not been included in the transition plans for the upcoming November 12 event.
According to Obaseki, the APC’s decision to borrow significant sums for an inauguration ceremony reflects questionable spending priorities, especially as his government had earmarked nearly N27 billion for ongoing projects and financial obligations.
He stated, “In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception.
“We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.
“They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new state”, he said.
Speaking further, Obaseki assured the people that he would not be far away from the party as he would never leave the party but would remain to give advice
“We will get our stolen mandate back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria.
“This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy”, he added.
