Kassim Afegbua, the former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, has alleged that the successor of Governor Godwin Obaseki will inherit a significant financial burden.
News About Nigeria reports that Afegbua, who served in the administration of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, expressed his determination to improve the state’s fortunes if given the mandate.
Afegbua accused Governor Obaseki of leading the state into debt, claiming that the state is burdened with a debt of 325 billion Naira.
Speaking on the challenges that the incoming governor would face in addressing this financial situation, he stressed the need for innovative solutions.
The APC governorship aspirant stated, “For me, anybody who is taking over from the governor of Edo state with 325 billion as our debts will have a huge task on our hands. So, we must put our thinking cap on and think outside the box that can generate ideas.”
Speaking on the state’s infrastructural decay, Afegbua pledged to address critical issues, including the deplorable condition of the road from Auchi to Benin.
He said that he would approach the federal government for special grants to undertake essential projects, especially in the face of deteriorating infrastructure.
Afegbua, confident in his capabilities, expressed his readiness to bring positive change to Edo State.
He criticised Governor Obaseki’s governance style and the reported internal conflicts within the ruling party, stating that there is the need for unity and a focus on development.
He concluded by praising the APC’s candidate selection process and the party’s efforts to reduce the number of candidates in order to guarantee a manageable number for an open and transparent Edo State gubernatorial fight.
