From Bad To Worse: How The PDP Candidate, Asue Ighodalo, Plans To Ruin Edo’s Economy

From Bad To Worse: How The PDP Candidate, Asue Ighodalo, Plans To Ruin Edo’s EconomyAsue Ighodalo, the man who has allegedly been the puppet master behind Edo State’s economic disasters under Governor Obaseki, is now vying for the governorship. But can Edo really afford more of the same?....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

For years, Ighodalo has led the Edo State Economic Team, and has been the driving force behind the Alaghodaro Summit—a forum purportedly designed to boost the state’s economy, but in reality, many say, serves as a conduit for draining taxpayers’ resources. Let’s not forget that Edo is currently ranked 37 out of 37 states, including the FCT, for the poorest business environment in Nigeria. The facts speak for themselves.

Governor Obaseki has boasted about signing over 350 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during his tenure. Yet, where are the tangible results? Nowhere to be seen. Ighodalo masterminded these MOUs, and despite the fanfare, they have led the state to a dead end.

It’s almost laughable that Ighodalo, the PDP governorship candidate, is now trying to distance himself from Obaseki’s policies. His attempts to sideline the Governor from his campaign are not only hypocritical but insulting to the intelligence of Edo’s citizens.

Who has been Obaseki’s chief economic adviser all these years? Asue Ighodalo. Who chairs the Business Roundtable at the Alaghodaro Summit? Asue Ighodalo. Which bank houses the state’s resources? Sterling Bank—connected to none other than Asue Ighodalo.

The consultancy services for these MOUs are another scandal. A simple $5 million proposal often ends up funneling 20% into consultancy fees, paid upfront, with the project eventually abandoned due to “lack of funds.” Multiply this by the over 350 MOUs and you can see the staggering amount of taxpayer money that has vanished. Edo State is, quite literally, in for a long thing.

During a recent tour, it became glaringly obvious that Edo lacks even basic infrastructure. Not a single flyover bridge exists in the 18 local government councils. How can a state with such poor road networks hope to attract investments?

The answer is, it can’t. This is daylight fraud. What has the state done to improve security? Very little. They can’t handle simple cult clashes, yet they dream of attracting foreign investors? Perhaps from war-torn Sudan?

Asue Ighodalo, the architect of Obaseki’s disastrous tenure, claims he can do better. But can he really? From the frying pan into the fire seems more accurate. His campaign expenditures are astronomical. Reports suggest over ₦100 billion has been spent so far, including a staggering $16,000 monthly payment to a foreign firm to spread propaganda against the APC candidate. The recent lies about INEC registration discrepancies are a testament to their desperation. Meanwhile, Asue himself is facing criminal charges over similar allegations. The irony is palpable.

In conclusion, Edo State cannot afford to gamble on more of the same. Asue Ighodalo’s track record is one of empty promises and squandered resources. Electing him would be a step from bad to worse.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is an Editor at iReporteronline.

Source: iReporteronline.

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