As the Godwin Obaseki-led Edo state administration beats its chest over its sudden discovery of a preferred bidder to finance the construction of the Benin River Port, the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo state has warned it against plunging the state into further indebtedness.
In a statement in Abuja, Edo APC chairman, Col Dr David Imuse rtd said coming few months to the end of the Obaseki era in the State, the announcement of a preferred bidder is suspicious.
According to him, if the Obaseki Government is not cautioned, at this late hour, not to drag foreign investors into his litany of spurious MOU partnerships or agreements, as has been it's hallmark in seven years, then, it portends great dangers for the State.
“Just a few days ago, the government disclosed that they have discovered a preferred bidder to finance the construction of the Benin River Port Project as it beat it's chest that it is the jumping of a 75-year hurdle".
Imuse who decried the effort of the government at this time whereas it has slept on the idea since 2016.
"Obaseki promised to build the Benin Port in 2016, raising hopes for development and job creation. He announced the formation of a committee to the effect in 2017, but it was nothing more than an empty gesture.
"In 2018, he claimed he signed a dredging contract with a China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), touting it as a crucial step towards the Benin Port Project. However, this contract was simply a façade to create an illusion of progress. The port remains nonexistent with no significant progress made".
He said, "Obaseki's claim of scaling a 75-year hurdle is another fallacy. There was no Nigeria or Edo State 75 years ago, exposing the falseness of his statement.
"We advise these investors to be wary of Governor Obaseki's assurances of his government’s full support to ensure that the project is completed in good time and deliver value to port users because it is a hoax".
Col Imuse concluded that, "Governor Godwin Obaseki's tenure in Edo State has been marked by fictional legacies. His promises of prosperity, economic growth, and job creation have been nothing but illusions, leaving the people of Edo State disillusioned and betrayed. He must not be allowed to continue on this path".