Hardship:  CRPP  Calls on Edo Gov to Resign

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has observed with concern the increasing hardship the masses are currently facing in Edo State.

The coalition described the situation as unparalleled in the history of the state.

CRPP therefore, called for the resignation of the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his inability to tackle the worsening living condition of the people.

According to the National   Chairman of CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor, in a statement issued yesterday while responding to the peaceful protest in Benin City, the state capital, by youths and other residents, the situation has become intolerable.

Recall that protesters numbering hundreds last Wednesday staged a protest against several issues ranging from hike in petrol, epileptic power supply, poor states of road, high cost of food items, among others.

They demanded an urgent government intervention to address rising food prices, unemployment, and the high cost of living in the country

Isibor expressed concern over the increasing hardship the masses are passing through in Edo State.

“We have noted with grave concern that wherever you turn to in Edo State, it is lamentation. The heat of poverty is staring us in the face; we have never had it this bad in Edo State. That was what led to the massive protest by youths and other citizens in Benin City on Wednesday.

“Edo is at a standstill as if there is no government in the state. Insecurity is at its worst state ever, kidnapping is unabated, unemployment is high, cost of house rent is beyond the reach of the citizens, there is no visible infrastructural development, bad and unmotorable roads everywhere, no functional health centres, and entrepreneurs are moving out of the state because of high cost of running their businesses.

“CRPP supports the Wednesday’s peaceful protest by the citizens to call the attention of the state and federal governments to the deplorable conditions in the state in particular and the country in general,” he stated.

Commenting on the state government’s alleged helplessness in tackling the poor living condition of its citizens, Isibor called on Governor, Okpebholo to either sit up to its responsibility or resign.

He said: “CRPP condemns the lackadaisical and nonchalant attitude of Governor Okpebholo. Sadly, there is no visible effort from his government to ameliorate the suffering of our people.

“We, therefore, call on Okpebholo to either wake up to his responsibilities or resign, because it is obvious that he is bereft of ideas to solve the alarming poverty confronting the Edo people. Rather, he is only concerned with how to win the 2027 presidential for his master and the so-called local government election in which we already know the outcome.”