By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party-led federal government diverted N800 million meant for a water project, which was not done in Okpella, Etsako East local government area of the state.

Oshiomhole, who said records at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, show that the project has been completed, even though no single water pipe was laid in thearea, was speaking on Monday at the flag-off of a 24-kilometre Ogiriga-Afokpella-Okugbe-Imiekuri-Ohu road project that will branch to Awuyemi in Okpella.

“I am happy that we are flagging off the construction of roads that would link various communities in Okpella Kingdom and I am happy to hear from your highness that the people of the state recognize that our projects are not political projects, Oshiomole said.

The governor also expressed happiness that he had been able to fulfil one of his election promises, noting that “the primary purpose of government is to bring development to the people.”

“When I look at what we have achieved in six years, I ask you always not to forget that when I came in we had had PDP for ten years. In this kingdom, the PDP cannot show you one red roof in ten years. Today your government has delivered to the Edo child not only a red roof, beautiful classrooms; we also abolished all forms of collections,’ Oshiomhole said.

He told the people that the state must not be allowed to return to the days when money meant for work was shared among few people.

“For us Edo state cannot return to the past. This party that specializes in stealing, they have stolen a lot. Government may be broke, but individuals are so rich,” he stated.

Responding, the traditional ruler of Okpella, A. Y.E Dirisu, expressed satisfaction that after four years of asking the state government for the project, it was now finally taking off.

“We are delighted to report that even when some of our people were beginning to assume the status of doubting Thomases, you remained consistent in assuring all and sundry of avowed commitment to execute the project in conformity which has come to be known as the high Oshiomhole standards,’ Dirisu said