_By Hon Desmond Ugbo_
As Nigeria's states continue to receive heightened monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the people of Edo State are increasingly vocal in their demand for Governor Godwin Obaseki to translate these improved revenues into tangible improvements in their lives.
According to the Nigerian Governors Forum, states have received a total of ₦1.548 trillion in statutory allocations from FAAC in the first four months of 2023 alone. Similarly, local government areas have received ₦1.126 trillion during the same period. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, yet the Edo people assert that the benefits have not been felt on the ground.
"Without prejudice to the efforts of a few of you, Mr Godwin Obaseki and other Governors, a lot needs to be done to address the current hardship in the land," lamented a concerned citizen, echoing the sentiments of many Edo residents.
The people of Edo point to the lack of visible infrastructure development, dilapidated public amenities, and the proliferation of market unions and arbitrageurs as evidence that the increased FAAC allocations have not been judiciously utilized. They argue that the state government should be held accountable for the apparent disconnect between the improved revenue inflows and the lived experiences of the populace.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of neighboring Nasarawa State has weighed in on this issue, urging Nigerians to hold their state governors responsible for how they deploy the increased funds from the federal government. Sule emphasizes that the president cannot be solely blamed, as the responsibility lies with the state governments to translate these improved revenues into tangible development projects and enhanced public welfare.
In Edo State, the people are closely watching and waiting for Governor Obaseki to demonstrate a visible and impactful utilization of the FAAC allocations. They demand that the increased resources be channeled towards addressing the state's infrastructure deficits, improving public services, and ultimately alleviating the hardships faced by the citizens.
While ddressing citizens of the State on the eve of the general protest against bad governance and hardship experienced by Nigeria citizens, Godwin Obaseki tried to heep the blame on the federal government alone while exonerating himself. Godwin Obaseki,who
stated that, his government has introduced a free transport scheme along the routes operated by the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), added that he extended free Wi-Fi services to public spaces to help citizens telecommute, and kick-started a state-wide feeding for the vulnerable in partnership with Christian and Muslim institutions in the state, as part of the measures of cushioning the hardship of the skyrocketed prices of foodstuffs in the market.
But, the question Edolites and residents are asking is, " does the above stated interventionist measures directly has substantial effect on the current economic hardship to Edo citizens?"
"Does the hidden bags of Rice part of his interventionist measures?
Why did Obaseki and his cohorts waited till now, before deciding to distribute the over 24,000 bags of Rice meant for the vulnerable segment of the citizens?
Is Godwin Obaseki telling Edo people that he actually didn't receive the 20 trucks of Federal government palliative Rice?
As the debate over the benefits of increased FAAC allocations continues and the missing 20 trucks of Federal government palliative bags of Rice, the people of Edo State have made their voices heard, calling for transparency, accountability, and tangible progress from their state government. The onus is now on Governor Obaseki to provide answers to the questions and heed their demands and ensure that the state's shares of the Federal government palliative Rice is produced, and the improved financial standing translates into measurable improvements in the lives of the Edo people before the September 21st gubernatorial election in the state.
But, one thing is common among the thoughts and reasoning of Edo people and that is; " You can fool some people sometimes, but, you cannot fool all the people, all the time".
They are now looking forward to the forthcoming September 21st Governorship election in the state to redefine their respective destinies.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment