Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, has called for transparency on the N5 billion approved by the Federal Government as a palliative to ease the hardship on civil servants.
News About Nigeria reports that Okpebholo described the recent announcement of a new minimum wage by Governor Godwin Obaseki as a diversionary tactic.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Okpebholo said there are pressing issues that need attention.
Recalling the Federal Government’s approval of N5 billion for each state and the FCT in 2023 to procure food items and provide financial support to civil servants, Okpebholo questioned the whereabouts of the funds in Edo State.
He alleged that Governor Obaseki has failed to disburse the palliatives and cash transfers to civil servants, unlike other states.
Okpebholo accused Obaseki of withholding the N5 billion to fund his re-election campaign, urging him to explain how the funds were utilised. He said Edo State civil servants deserve better treatment, rather than a “Greek gift” aimed at manipulating their votes.
He said, “Governor Obaseki is actually owing Edo civil servants arrears of six months.
“Like other states, Edo got N5 billion from the federal government to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. In the FCT, civil servants were paid an additional N35,000 for six months.
“Other states did the same thing and distributed palliatives to them. In Edo State, Governor Obaseki has been mute.
“No civil servant got any extra money like their counterparts in other states. Let us begin the conversation from there.”
The APC candidate asserted that civil servants are aware of Obaseki’s failures and will not be swayed by empty promises. He called for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the support they need.
