Urora Rice Looting: Evidence of Obaseki’s Genuine Care for the Edo People
By Saintmoses Eromosele (SME)
Recent events surrounding the food distribution program in Edo State have underscored the difficulties of providing aid amid political tensions. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s bold initiative to allocate one billion naira monthly to feed vulnerable citizens, amidst excruciating hardship generated by the APC-led federal government which provoked the August 1 nationwide protest, demonstrates a commitment to tackling food insecurity. However, misinformation and political maneuvering by Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) have threatened to overshadow the program’s noble intentions.
Governor Obaseki’s program is a non-partisan effort, with food distribution managed by religious organizations —the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and its Islamic counterpart, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board —rather than political bodies. This approach ensures aid reaches those most in need, independent of political influence.
Despite opposition rumors, particularly from the Edo APC, the rice distributed was funded entirely by the Edo State Government. These state-sponsored bags of rice provide essential relief during economically challenging times.
The looting of a truckload of rice in Urora was manipulated by the APC to falsely portray the initiative as a federal program appropriated by the state government. This narrative collapsed under scrutiny. The truck, part of the state’s distribution effort managed by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), encountered logistical issues, leading CAN to temporarily store the rice to ensure its safety until distribution could continue, in the wake of the August 1 nationwide protests against hunger.
The Secretary of the CAN Implementation Committee confirmed the looted rice was part of the state-funded program, intended for distribution to churches. Despite this incident, the program has successfully distributed thousands of bags of rice to needy families across the state. This validates the bold claim by the Edo State government that it had allocated money monthly for the feeding program for Edo people through religious bodies.
The politicization of this humanitarian effort by the APC is regrettable, reflecting broader issues of misinformation in political discourse. The opposition’s narrative undermines state efforts to provide relief and sows unnecessary division among the populace. It is a curious how the APC still have the effrontery to criticize the interventions of the Edo PDP government when it ought to hide in shame for plunging Nigerians into this untold hardship through their mindless corruption and ineptitude.
Governor Obaseki’s PDP administration is clearly committed to addressing economic challenges in Edo State, focusing on aid rather than political gain. The program’s non-partisan approach highlights this commitment.
Governor Obaseki’s food distribution program is a crucial lifeline for many in Edo State, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to its citizens. The APC’s baseless criticisms serve as a reminder of the importance of discernment and fact-checking in political narratives. As Edo people, we must support initiatives that genuinely aim to improve our well-being and hold accountable those who undermine these efforts with false information.
In these times, our focus must remain on unity and supporting policies that bring tangible benefits to the people, ensuring governance truly serves the public. We must resist the temptations to follow the political lions and tigers who’s sole desire in government is to steal, kill and destroy prosperity of the people to satisfy “leaders” who do nothing in return for the state. In September, let us replace the Obaseki’s administration with another people oriented government that will prioritise the wellbeing and security of Edo people over the greed of a few leaders. Dr Asue Ighodalo of the PDP represents the best choice for Edo’s prosperity.
Saintmoses Eromosele (SME) is the Director of Media Strategy of the Edo PDP Gubernatorial Election Campaign Management Council and writes from his Cassava farm in Ewu
