APC Accuses Asue Ighodalo of Benefiting from Edo State Financial Mismanagement

APC Accuses Asue Ighodalo of Benefiting from Edo State Financial Mismanagement

In a press release issued on July 25, 2024, the APC New Media Directorate has raised serious concerns over the financial management of Edo State under Governor Godwin Obaseki. The directorate’s examination of the state’s budget performance documents has revealed what it describes as “egregious financial mismanagement,” leading to widespread alarm among citizens and political observers.

The APC New Media Directorate highlighted several instances of what it considers scandalous expenditures by the state government. According to the report, N1.1 billion was spent on furniture and fittings within the first quarter of 2024, out of a total budget of N2.2 billion allocated for the entire year. Additionally, N203 million was spent on refreshments and meals during the same period, with a total of N739 million earmarked for such expenditures for the year.

While these expenditures were made, the directorate pointed out that critical sectors have been significantly neglected. For instance, the Ministry of Water Resources, which had an initial budget of N1.030 billion, received no capital expenditure. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability was allocated only N5 million, and no funds were spent on the essential erosion, flood, and watershed management agency.

These findings suggest a blatant disregard for the essential needs and priorities of the Edo people, according to the APC. The directorate argues that the extravagant spending on non-essential items, while vital services and infrastructure projects are ignored, indicates misplaced priorities and mismanagement.

Moreover, the APC New Media Directorate expressed concerns that these misappropriated funds, along with other revenue allocations, might be redirected to support the candidacy of the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The directorate described this potential misuse of public resources for political campaigns as both unethical and illegal, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate these expenditures thoroughly and ensure accountability.

The APC urged Edo voters to be vigilant and discerning in their voting decisions, emphasizing that the current administration’s actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to the development and prosperity of the state. The directorate warned that electing Asue Ighodalo, who is closely associated with the current administration, would perpetuate and exacerbate these issues.

According to the APC, Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy represents a continuation of wasteful priorities and financial mismanagement. Given his association with the current administration, the APC argued that it is reasonable to expect that he would be even worse than Governor Obaseki in squandering public funds on frivolous expenses while neglecting critical needs.

The press release concluded with a call for Edo citizens to reject Asue Ighodalo and the continuation of what it described as failed policies and mismanagement, advocating instead for leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people, manage resources prudently, and focus on the development and prosperity of Edo State.

The press release was signed by Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Director of the APC New Media Edo 2024 Gubernatorial Campaign Council.