Edo Govt Accused of Rice Allocation Scandal

APC exposes Edo govt's alleged rice misappropriation...

APC accuses Edo State government of diverting federal rice allocation, citing abandoned trailer discovery, and blames palliative misdirection for state's hunger crisis.

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has leveled accusations against the state government, alleging the diversion of federal rice allocations meant for the state. This claim comes after a video surfaced on August 1, showing residents of Urora community discovering an abandoned trailer loaded with rice.

APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, speaking on August 2, attributed the prevalence of hunger in Edo State to the government's misdirection of palliatives, including the federal rice allocation.

He said, “The leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State have noticed with concern the unfortunate plan by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his faction of the Peoples Democratic Party to frustrate the genuine efforts of the federal government to considerably reduce the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians, especially here in Edo state.

“Friday, August 2, Edo people watched Obaseki in disbelief during his hurriedly put together state broadcast, how he refused to acknowledge or give account of the various financial grants and other palliatives his administration has received from the federal government.

“Last month, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) handed over 786.6 metric tonnes made up of 17,424 bags of assorted grains to the Edo State government as part of palliative measures to cushion the adverse effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government on the people of the State, but Obaseki has refused to share them.

“The federal government confirmed that the 36 states, including Edo have received 20 trucks of rice, yet Obaseki has failed to account for them.” he said.