Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has alleged that the State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, is forcing Local Government Councils in the State to make compulsory donations to the electioneering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare, the PDP warned Governor Oshiomhole not to interfere in the finances of the Local Government.
According to the PDP, “It has come to our attention that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has instructed the Head of Service (HOS) of the 18 local government councils in Edo State to make compulsory donations from the just-received local government allocation to the campaign organisation of his proxy, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to assist in the financing of the most expensive and most financially reckless campaign ever embarked upon by any political party here in Edo State.
“It is apt to remind Edo people and Nigerians that this is happening at a time local government workers in Edo state are owed up to 24 months in arrears and local government pensioners in some cases are owed up to 48 months.
“This behavior is typical of the APC government who has consistently been insensitive to the plight of not just local government workers and pensioners but all Edo people.”
The PDP stated further, “We use this opportunity to ask the governor once again to remove his paws from local government allocations as his interference in the finances of this tier of government is responsible for the mess they have found themselves.
“It’s pitiful and shameful that after several fruitless denials, like the ant to sugar, Governor Oshiomhole cannot stay away from local government allocations.”
It continued: “At this point, we think it is imperative to let Governor Oshiomhole know that Edo people are not impressed but rather disgusted with the wanton display of power, arrogance and reckless utilization of tax payers money to prosecute an election for which his candidate has failed to speak to the electorate from whom he is seeking votes.
“We call on Governor Oshiomhole to allow local government allocations to be used to finance local government projects. We have had enough of impunity and oppression.”
