By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Edo state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih on Thursday has described the Edo state government owned central hospital and the recent declaration of intentions by the Governor Obaseki administration to probe the contract of the hospital as one that has vindicated the opposition’s party ealier raised alarm over the alleged scam in the hospital project since 2012.
Orbih who expressed satisfaction with the recent declaration of intentions by the Governor Obaseki administration to probe the contract of the hospital said in the interest of Edo people, all those connected with the award, poor execution and commissioning of the project must account for their roles.
“We initially resisted the temptation of commenting on recent issues regarding the Edo state government owned central hospital and the recent declaration of intentions to probe the contract.Politically, we don’t want our reactions to be misconstrued as taking sides in the current dirty fight between the God father , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his God-son, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
“Interestingly, after several past denials and defense by Godwin Obaseki’s government, they have now come out to admit that the project is a fraud. They stated that the phased opening of the Hospital to public use is as a result of fraud in the contract and non supply of equipment fully paid for by the government.”Orbih said.
Orbih who noted that it has become imperative to come out with the party’s position as a result of the overriding public interest and unwavering resolve to expose the deceit of the past and present APC government in the state, said the timing of government admission of fraud in the award and execution may look political because of the current disagreements between the the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He however added that the issues raised by a Governor Obaseki cannot be ignored as government must resist pressure to resolve current political disagreements over the hospital contract scam.
He said,” Without sounding immodest, Edo PDP under my leadership came out as far back as 2012 to condemn the fraudulent and inflated award of the contract for the 200 bed Accident and Emergency Ward complex. The shoddy construction and deceptive commissioning of the project by President Buhari was vigorously criticised and condemned by us.”
Orbih said, “The APC government of Godwin Obaseki now agrees with our position that the Project is indeed a five star classic fraud ridden scam. Starting from the unadvertised without due process award of the contract to the sad collapse of the building of the north western section of the project on June 4th 2012 and the eventual commissioning of the uncompleted project.”
It would be recalled that the Special Adviser to the Edo state Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the “state government will investigate allegations of fraud and irregularities with the contracting for procurement of the hospital equipment.”
Speaking alleged plans by the Edo state governor to pitchtent with the opposition PDP in the state, Orbih said Obaseki has not formally approach the party or made his intention to join the PDP .
there are many persons out of self convictions , willing join the PDP in the future.
“As far as the Edo Central Specialist Hospital is concerned. Edo PDP stands for accountability and justice.”
There are many persons out of self convictions , willing join the PDP in the future.
Agreed they have their own differences , Obaseki has not formally made his intention to join the PDP .
Statement of fact, that PDP has earlier raised concerns over the 24/24 victory of the state House of Assembly.
Edo Central Hospital should not be used as bargain or a tool to settle political differences. a party that cannot manage 24members should not be trusted with the governance of the state. enjoined edo people to embrace the pdp.
He urged the aggrieved Members-elect of the Edo House of Assembly to put the interest of the good people of Edo people who they represent first, before any other political interests.
Leave a Reply