Edo 2024: Oshiomhole trying to distract voters with fake rice donations – PDP
The Deputy Director of Media and Publicity for the Asue/Ogiie Campaign Management Committee, Rev. Olu Martins, has accused former Edo State Governor Sen. Adams Oshiomhole of using fake rice donation claims to distract from the shortcomings of the APC’s governorship candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
Martins claimed that Oshiomhole’s announcements about receiving 20 trucks of rice from the federal government and 30,000 bags from the Dangote Foundation were false. He asserted that these claims were an attempt to shift focus away from the APC candidate’s lack of a clear vision.
Martins stated, “The feeding program in Edo State was set up by the Edo State Government and is managed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious groups, not by Oshiomhole’s supposed donations. Edo people will not be misled by lies. Obaseki’s name will not be on the ballot, and neither will Oshiomhole’s, but if they keep trying to bring Obaseki into this, we will not hesitate to bring Oshiomhole into the spotlight.”
He challenged the APC candidate to present his vision or manifesto, criticizing him for avoiding responsibility by claiming he doesn’t need one. “Asue Ighodalo, who has a clear vision for Edo, has been actively sharing his plans, while the APC candidate has been evasive.”
On the rice issue, Martins argued, “The President never mentioned sending rice to any state. If 20 trucks of rice were sent to Edo, it should be documented and acknowledged. The Commissioner for Agriculture has confirmed he hasn’t seen any such delivery.”
Christopher Ojeikere, another member of the media team, added that the Edo State Government’s feeding program is funded by the state government and managed by CAN and other religious bodies. “The program was set up three months ago, with a billion naira released for its successful run, and another billion recently allocated. Stories about rice donations from other sources are mere speculation.”
Kassim Afegbua, Media Consultant to the APC Campaign Council, dismissed these accusations as political maneuvering. He criticized Governor Obaseki, claiming, “The Federal Government allocated 20 trucks of rice to each state, and most have received and distributed theirs. Edo State’s government, however, has reported differently. There have been claims of hidden rice in Ekpoma and allegations that PDP leaders hoarded these supplies. Instead of hiding from their failures, they are trying to distort the truth.”
Afegbua added, “Governor Obaseki is accused of economic sabotage and mismanagement of resources meant for the people. Instead of facing their failures, they are trying to twist the narrative. Where are our 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government?”
