CRPP Blasts Okpebholo Over Planned Edo Airline, Says Project Misplaced Priority

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 


The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has strongly criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over what it described as the prioritisation of “self-adulation projects” that have no direct bearing on the survival and welfare of the people of the state.

The coalition faulted the reported plan by the governor to establish a state-owned airline, describing the move as ill-timed and insensitive in the face of worsening socioeconomic challenges confronting Edo residents.

A statement signed by its Regional President, Dr. Samson Isibor, and made available to journalists in Benin City, the CRPP said the proposed airline project was “uncalled for” at a time when critical infrastructure, security, and unemployment issues remain unresolved across the state.

According to the group, hundreds of state and federal roads, particularly in rural communities, are in deplorable condition, cutting off farmers and traders from accessing markets and hindering the transportation of agricultural produce to urban centres.

“Many villages have no roads to bring their palm produce to the urban areas for sale. Insecurity in the state is increasing daily, thousands of our youths are unemployed, yet we have a governor who appears not to be bothered about the plight and poor conditions of life of the people,” the statement read.

The coalition further alleged that since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, there has been no clear agenda targeted at improving the living standards of the masses, noting that citizens continue to lament the worsening situation in the state.

Raising concerns over the financial implications of the proposed airline, the CRPP queried the cost of acquiring aircraft and the economic justification for such an investment.
The group asked the governor to clarify:

The cost of acquiring an aircraft, such as a Boeing model.
The status of the reported N100 billion loan approval by the House of Assembly.

The productivity of investing trillions of naira in an airline project.
It argued that funds earmarked for the airline could be better utilised to revitalise moribund state-owned enterprises capable of generating mass employment, including the Uromi Cassavita, Ehor Fruit Juice Factory, Ewu Flour Mill, Ewohimi Cassava Factory, Fertilizer Company in Auchi, and the Bendel Brewery.

According to the coalition, air travel remains largely inaccessible to the average Edo citizen due to high fares, making the proposed airline more beneficial to political elites and the wealthy.

“How many citizens of Edo State can afford to fly? Air transport fare is beyond the reach of the average Edo person. Other states prioritise road construction and provide mass transit buses for their citizens. Why should Edo be different?” the statement added.

The CRPP called on the governor to halt what it described as wasteful spending and refocus government priorities on people-oriented projects, warning that it would seek legal action should the airline project proceed.

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