A member of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council Publicity Committee, Ofure Osehobo, has said that the party will provide evidence to support the allegation of “monumental corruption” against Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Reacting to a defence of the governor by his Special Adviser, Crusoe Osagie, Osehobo, who is also the state deputy publicity secretary, said the APC would make public the criminal approval for a contract by the governor.

In a statement on Sunday, Osehobo said, “The Edo APC Campaign Council Publicity Committee has seen the lame statement credited to Crusoe Osagie, the outgoing Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects.

“The statement, an afterthought, is a collection of very watery accusations aimed at deflecting public attention from the many glaring shortcomings of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led PDP administration.

“Nevertheless, the APC stands by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon Dennis Idahosa, our candidate and running mate for the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election.

“Senator Okpebholo’s qualifications, vision, determination, and commitment to the people of Edo State are unmatched. Osagie’s attempt to label our campaign as diversionary is a desperate move to distract from the failures of the PDP administration.

“On the allegations made by our party chairman, Jarret Tenebe, about governance in our state, there is no doubt whatsoever that the so-called “transformations” under Governor Obaseki are founded on inefficiency and lack of transparency. The ERP system is an exorbitant fraud with questionable implementation. Transparency has been crucified under the Obaseki administration.

“The attack on the APC’s understanding of e-governance is laughable. Our party fully supports technological advancements that promote efficiency and transparency. However, the Obaseki administration’s implementation of these systems is flawed and raises more questions than answers.

He continued, “The investment in the Radisson Hotel is another example of the PDP government’s misplaced priorities to find where to drain the state resources to private pockets.

“While international brands are welcome, the focus should be on improving the lives of Edo people through sustainable development projects that benefit the majority, not just a select few.

“The daily rising costs of the hotel project reflect poor financial management,l carried out by Governor Obaseki’s Afrinvest, exacerbated by the corruption tendencies of the state administration.

“As for the refinery project, it has not delivered the significant benefits that were promised. The same is true of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, which has deprived indigenous farmers of farmlands, with nothing to show for the everyday lives of our people.

“The real issues facing Edo State, orchestrated by the Obaseki government, are poor economic management, infrastructure decay, and inadequate social services. The APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to addressing these challenges with a clear and actionable plan that prioritizes the well-being of all Edo citizens.

“In his haste to respond to matters he clearly knows nothing about, Osagie failed to answer the questions which Tenebe highlighted. These include: Who owns Radisson Hotel? What is the percentage share of the Edo State government in the investment?

“Who owns the refineries? What is the Edo State government’s equity share in the company? These are important questions his long epistle failed to address.

He added, “Let the Edo State government focus on these issues, without the diversionary tactics they are unduly accusing the APC of.

“We have accepted the challenge to provide evidence for the monumental fraud that has taken place in the last eight years of Obaseki’s administration.

“APC will make public the criminal approvals and contract variations that have increased the contract sum by well over 40 per cent. We shall also show to Edo State the insider transaction with Banwo and Ighodalo law firms and the use of Governor Obaseki’s Afrinvest as financial managers in the various projects in Edo State.

“Osagie cleverly kept mute over the revelation that the state Governor is presently being investigated for financial misappropriation which has led to the invitation of the Commissioner of finance and the Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie the PDP governorship running mate.

“We reiterate our call on the Edo public to see through the outgoing PDP administration’s attempts to misinform, mislead, and distract, and reject them.

“The APC remains focused on delivering a prosperous and well-governed Edo State. On September 21, we urge all Edo people to vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo: he is the candidate who is truly prepared to lead Edo and make a difference, ensuring a better future for all.”