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Anarchy looms when the oppressed are not allowed to cry.
Total debt profile of Edo State is in excess of N300,000,000.00. This comprises of World Bank loan, loan from CBN, bail out fund, payments due to contractors, salaries and pension arrears. It is on record that Edo State Government owes pensions in excess of 42 months. The debt profile would not have been a problem if the combined effects of IGR and federally allocated revenues were near-adequate to meet our pressing and dire needs. Specifically, the hospital that was recently commissioned by President Buhari is under lock and key because there are no health care facilities. Couple of days ago students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma went on protest against hike in fees.
Despite these realities, Edo State Government took a decision to spend over N1,200,000,000.00 on six individuals who already are billionaires. They passed a bill to enable them buy a house of N200,000,000 each for three ex-governors and N100,000,000.00 each for their respective deputies. Total sum for purchase of houses amounts to N900,000,000.00. They also took a decision via the bill to purchase three vehicles each for ex-governors and two each for their deputies. Total vehicles to be purchased amounts to 15. From general expectations, these vehicle will cost over N300,000,000.00 going by minimum of N20,000,000.00 per vehicle.
The questions on the lips of the people are simple: Is Adams Oshiomhole a vagabond? Is Lucky Igbinedion homeless? Is Osarhiemen Osunbor a wonderer? These past governors have estates both in Nigeria beyond. It becomes very interesting when you find out that some pensioner earn less than N15,000 on monthly basis.
With N1.2B, Edo State can pay 2000 pensioners for 2 years.
Oppression has indeed taken a new dimension. The people are angry. Men and women. Civil rights activists, concerned citizens took to the street for a peaceful protest. The demand was simple. It is a NO to the bill impoverishing the 3.5million people for the sake of 6 persons.
In response, the government unleased their thugs and miscreants on these harmless citizens causing injuries and destruction of properties. In like manners, students of Ambrose Alli University were shot at and injured in their peaceful demonstration. Anarchy looms when freedom of expression is denied.
Indeed anarchy looms in Edo!
By Osahon Ize-Iyamu
From Benin City
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