BENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that he will take all the files containing alleged fraud perpetrated during the tenure of former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, to Abuja next week to commence prosecution.
Vowing to prosecute the former governor and his father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and send them to jail if convicted, Oshiomhole alleged that both the former governor and his father converted property and funds meant for the people of the state to their private use.
He also expressed his readiness to publish the sales of government property during the administration of Chief Igbinedion and also fingered the former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as one of the beneficiaries of some of the sales.
The governor spoke when he addressed youths, civil society organisations and students who embarked on a solidarity march to condemn what they described as the Monday protest in the state allegedly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The youths had earlier condemned the protest, commending the governor for his developmental strides and introduction of the land use charge which, according to them, is geared toward uplifting the lives of the poor to the detriment of the rich.
Oshiomhole, who said he wanted to be remembered for eliminating god-fatherism in the state, commended the youths for their solidarity, saying: “It shows your support and your endorsement of my stewardship here in Osadebey Avenue.”
He said his problem with the Igbiendions started when he revoked the over 2,000 hectares of land the former governor gave to his father in Okada which, according to him, belonged to the state government and also the termination of the MoU the former governor signed with his father, which according to him “allowed medical students in Igbinedion University to use our state- owned hospital at the expense of Edo State Government while Chief Igbinedion collected N1 million from each medical student.”
According to him, “Every body born of a woman in this state must be subjected to the rule of law. I decree in the name of God my creator and in the interest of Edo people, even the ones yet unborn, that I want to be remembered, not only for roads, hospitals, schools but much more importantly, I want to be remembered as the man who brought an end to exemptions. I want to be remembered as the man who took from those who have bastardized, raped and privatized the resources of Edo State, used our money to build their private universities and walk around our streets when they are supposed to be in Oko prison.
“We provided leadership that has banished godfathers in Edo State, they can never forget that once upon a time there was Adams. I did not promise to make everybody happy, what I promised was to make majority happy. And to make majority happy we must make some people cry, so that others can smile.”
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It is a well-known fact in Edo state that Lucky Igbinedion and his family looted and milked the people of Edo state dry the 8yrs he spent as governor. It was even rumored that Lucky was in support (to what extent remains a rumor) of the emergence of Oshiomhole as the Governor of the state.
I do not have a problem with a genuine fight against corruption and bringing to book looters and corrupt individuals that are found culpable however where I have an issue is taken the Edo people for a ride, using them to settle either personal or political scores.
Why did it take Oshiomhole this long to probe or prosecute the administration of Lucky Igbinedion barely an end to his tenure?
I do hope this maneuver is not another political attempt to quiet the opposition or perceived opposition as another election year approaches……