The political tempo in Edo State yesterday heightened as Governor? Adams Oshiomhole renewed call on the National Assembly to probe the N300 billion reportedly given to the former Minister of Works for? road construction while the ex-minister held sway.
Oshiomhole made this call in Benin when members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Igbanke in Orhionmwon local government area defected to the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Oshiomhole, obviously responding to a news publication (not LEADERSHIP) alleged to have been sponsored by the PDP against his style of governance, said since the political demise of Anenih the? state has continued to witness rapid transformation in infrastructural development, also? accused the former BOT Chairman of PDP? of squandering N300 billion meant to fix federal roads across the country.
He vowed that in spite of the clandestine plot by the PDP to rig the 2012 governorship election,? never again would the? people of the state be oppressed? by the PDP which he said ruined? it? for 10 years.
In his words, “Tony Anenih said he is the leader but under his leadership, he lost all elections in Edo State to the ACN, what kind of leader is he when he cannot influence the repairs of roads in his home state?? I want to call on the National Assembly to open up investigation into the N300 billion to the Ministry of Works under his leadership. It is a shame that the dual carriage road from Kano terminated in Kogi State our neighbour, where is the leader?”
In his reaction, Anenih described Oshiomhole as “a drowning man” who engages in dishonourable tactics to divert attention, saying that, “His antics of playing to the gallery to score cheap political points are well known.”
In a statement signed by the Director of Publicity of the Edo State PDP, Mr. Okharedia Ihimekpen, the PDP chieftain challenged Oshiomhole to depose to an affidavit in court and be ready to waive his immunity if he is sure of his facts.
He said “The Governor would not go far. This is his pain. There is nothing to probe. On the contrary, it is Oshiomhole’s leadership of the NLC and his maladministration in Edo State that should be subject of probe”