Edo PDP accuses Gov Obaseki of illegally selling off state assets

The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) say the Edo State government under Godwin Obaseki is finalizing plans to illegally sell off the state government’s properties

The party in a statement by its state publicity secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare alleged that the state government has finalized plans to sell off the Bendel Newspapers Ltd, and Edo Broadcasting Service.

According to the statement, the said properties would be sold to fronts who would hold them in trust for the governor, an act which was allegedly perfected by former governor Adams Oshiomhole when he was in office.

The statement read, “The attention of Edo PDP has been drawn to the activities of Edo State government regarding its alleged fraudulent planned sale of government properties.

“Edo state government procured the services of 4 media executives sometime ago to produce a report to justify the sale, or concession of two public enterprises (Bendel Newspapers Ltd, and Edo Broadcasting Service).

“True to type, the panel produced a report to suit the prearranged position of Governor Obaseki and his business interest.

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“Presently, the governor has allegedly selected a preferred “investor” who happened to be the consultant to his campaign organisation.

“The said investor is Dr. Henry Nzekwu. He manages a small radio station in Delta state and has great difficulty breaking even.

“The plan is to quietly divest Edo state interest from both companies, hand them over to Dr Nzekwu, who is acting as a front, as a trade off for the role Dr Nzekwu played during his campaign.

“This format is similar to the one Ex Governor Oshiomhole used in selecting Afri-Invest as the preferred Partner for Edo University Iyamoh.

“In Iyamoh, Afri-Invest was used as a “holding” company before Adams Oshiomhole can assume control. Dr Nzekwu in this case is playing a similar role for Governor Obaseki.

“This is exactly what the Governor is doing to Edoline where her assets are been striped and converted to personal properties.

“We call on the state government to stop the illegal sale and acquisitions of government assets and properties.

“We implore them to put in place a well motivated management team, invest just 50% of 3 months of the illegally collected security votes (N600m) and EDSG will achieve a world class media company.

“Edo people deserve better”.

 

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