On Monday, the Asue Ighodalo Governorship Campaign Committee in Edo State refuted claims of the state government receiving 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government and 30,000 bags of rice from the Dangote Foundation.
This denial comes in response to allegations made by the All Progressives Congress that the state government failed to distribute the rice it obtained from the Federal Government, after a video circulated on social media showing protestors looting a house where rice bags were stored.
Rev Olu Martins, the Deputy Director of Media for the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign organization in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, addressed the issue. He criticized former governor Adams Oshiomhole’s televised speculation aimed at stirring up negative sentiment against the state government.
During a press conference at the PDP Campaign Council headquarters in Benin, Martins emphasized that Oshiomhole, having served as both a governor and senator, should have a good understanding of government operations.
Martins stated that the feeding program in Edo State was initiated by the government and carried out by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, and other religious bodies.
He went on to say, “The Edo State government did not receive any rice from the Federal Government or Aliko Dangote Foundation.
“It’s worth noting that the President did not mention the distribution of rice to any states in his recent speech. If indeed 20 trucks of rice were sent to Edo State, which ministry handled it? Who received it on behalf of Edo State?”
Martins criticized the former governor’s claim regarding Dangote’s donation of rice to the state, labeling it as frustrating. He suggested that these comments were fueled by the continuous criticism of the APC at the federal level and the ongoing protests against poor governance.
He accused the senator of creating unrest and inciting people to loot rice storage facilities.
He further added, “The Dangote Foundation follows specific procedures to distribute rice in partnership with the state government to reach the people.”
Christopher Ojeikere, another spokesperson for the campaign council, also clarified that the Edo State government independently runs a feeding program without aid from the Federal Government or Dangote Foundation.
Ojeikere emphasized, “The Edo State government has been running a feeding program for three months now, supported by CAN and other religious bodies. The first installment of N1 billion was efficiently utilized, followed by another N1 billion. Claims of rice donations from elsewhere are purely speculative.”