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PDP rejects Obaseki’s claim of spending over N1bn on Covid-19 so far

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has rejected the claim by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, that his administration had so far expended over N1 billion in the fight against Covid-19.

The governor made the claim during his statewide broadcast on Sunday, adding that his government had also sent palliatives to more than 50,000 thousand residents in the state.

However, in a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP said:

“The reality is that there are allegations of diversion of palliatives to vulnerable citizens which is frustrating the commitment by Edolites and other well-meaning groups in the overall effort to combat the spread of the scourge in our state. We reject the humongous figures already being bandied to have been spent.

“We are saddened that Governor Obaseki again failed to show leadership and displayed a total lack of touch with reality as he failed to address the issue of palliatives diversion. It is more painful that Governor Obaseki could not address the immediate needs of SMEs and its employees or provide a trajectory that will take care of their future as the month of April draws to an end.

“Business owners are going to ponder how they will meet their wage bill demand when they haven’t done any business but must make their utility payments; electricity, telephone and rent! There was no mention of plans to subsidize, assist or intervene one way or the other.

READ ALSO: Edo discharges COVID-19 index case

“Sadly, the unemployment catastrophe we predicted was imminent is real! “Edo PDP rejects the attempt by those in government circles to use the Covid-19 pandemic to fleece our treasury. This is especially as the APC administration is reputed to be a haven of corrupt individuals, treasury looters, certificate forgers and election riggers”.

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