The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its disagreement with Governor Godwin Obaseki over the state’s debt profile. The APC urged the governor to refrain from securing additional loans, particularly criticizing the recent approval of a “N9bn” loan by the House of Assembly, which the party deems unnecessary and potentially harmful to the state’s financial stability.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the acting Chairman of the state APC, Jarrett Tenebe, highlighted the existing debt burden on the state, amounting to N135bn and $35.6bn. Tenebe accused Governor Obaseki of persistently seeking loans, including a recent request for a facility of N17.5bn, without clear project specifics and absent from the recently passed 2024 fiscal budget.
Tenebe emphasized the negative impact of continued borrowing on the citizens, alleging that the proceeds often found their way into the pockets of the governor and his associates. He called on the people of Edo State to reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and support the APC as an alternative.
In response, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, issued a statement dismissing Tenebe’s allegations as laughable and ridiculous. Nehikhare refuted the claim that Edo State owes $35bn, stating that the debt stock is not a secret and accusing Tenebe of misrepresentation. He clarified that the recent facility approved by the State Assembly aimed at various projects, including the procurement of electric buses to enhance the state’s transportation system.
Nehikhare criticized Tenebe for what he deemed “infertile rambling” and emphasized that opposition politics requires intelligence and tact, not baseless allegations and childish tantrums. The clash between the APC and the Edo State government continues amid differing perspectives on the state’s fiscal management.