By Usman Aliyu
The Edo Government on Monday distanced itself from alleged threats against opposition figures by one Emmanuel Eghogho, an aide to Gov. Monday Okpebholo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eghogho, a Special Assistant and self-acclaimed hypeman to the governor, was captured in a video now viral on social media addressing the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika.
In the video, he alleged that members of the opposition, including Peter Obi, would be arrested and handed over to the commissioner for onward transfer to Abuja.
The video has since sparked reactions from the public including the Commissioner of Police.
Reacting to the development during a news conference in Benin, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said that the state had had nothing to do with Eghogho’s public outburst and display.
Afegbua said that the government would not tolerate political intimidation, thuggery or any form of suppression of opposition voices.
He stressed that the controversial remarks credited to Eghogho did not represent the position of the administration.
”We want to distance ourselves from that statement, because it is not the position of the Edo government, but the voice of an individual that is answerable to existing laws of the land.
”The governor does not tolerate thuggery, political hegemony or any attempt to subdue or cow the opposition using subtle threats or otherwise.
”We welcome opposition robust engagement, constructive engagement and collective bargaining. Opposition helps ruling parties to think better,” he said.
The commissioner described the trending video as an ”incendiary” and said that the administration was focused on promoting peace, unity and democratic engagement in the state.
”It is not our article of trade. It is not our thematic focus as a government. We try as much as possible to promote unity of purpose and a spirit of camaraderie among all Edo residents,” he said.
Speaking on governance, Afegbua said that the administration had moved beyond rhetoric, noting that projects were visible across Edo South, Central and North Senatorial Districts.
”It’s almost certain that the larger majority of Edo people have scored this government high. It is no longer rhetoric because we can point at what we are doing and they can feel and see it,” he said.
According to him, the state’s improved financial standing is driven by increased federal allocations following fuel subsidy removal and a stronger internally generated revenue system.
”Every month, we hover around N9.5 billion to N10 billion as IGR. That is not magic. It is the result of our commitment to ensuring that everything that needs to be done is carried out,” he said.
Afegbua disclosed that the government had recruited more than 1,000 civil servants and made more than 3,000 appointments across ministries, departments and agencies, while also restoring long-delayed promotions in the civil service.
”Before now, promotions were stagnated for up to seven or eight years in the civil service. But this government has ensured adequate promotion to different categories of officers,” he said.
On digital governance, Afegbua said that the administration had replaced the previous e-governance system with a new cloud-based platform called ”e-Gov”, which would improve transparency and efficiency in public administration.
He also said that all ministries, departments and agencies were being on-boarded to the platform to reduce paperwork and improve service delivery.
In the area of infrastructure, the commissioner highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Benin-Auchi Road, upgrades of schools, completion of about 35 primary healthcare centres, and the construction of a 150-bed teaching hospital.
He also cited the almost completed security camp in Uromi which is expected to accommodate soldiers and police personnel as part of efforts to tackle kidnapping and insecurity.
He further said that the government had invested heavily in markets, including the redevelopment of the Oba Market in Benin and other major trading hubs.
On investment, Afegbua revealed that the state recently signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for a 10 million metric tonnes cement production project in Owan axis of the state, which is expected to generate jobs and boost economic activities.
He also said that the government was tackling challenges in the agriculture, power and transport sectors in the state.
”Maybe by next month, you will see about 100 CNG buses, and 50 of them will be deployed for free transportation across the state to ease the burden of economic hardship,” he said.
Afegbua urged the media to balance criticism with recognition of visible progress, saying government remained open to feedback and public scrutiny.
”If we are doing good projects, please celebrate us. If you think there are things we should do better, let us know. We are not an all-knowing government,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AUO/OJI/DCO
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deborah Coker
