Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has decried the excessive debt profile of the state.
It mentioned that the debt left behind by the instant previous authorities of Godwin Obaseki was between 2000 and 3000 p.c greater than the collected loans incurred by earlier governments from 1991 and 2016.
Patrick Ikhariale, a chieftain of the social gathering, secretary, APC transition committee member and member, Belongings Verification Committee said this at a press briefing shortly after the inauguration of the Committee by Governor Monday Okpebholo in Benin Metropolis.
Ikhariale, former, two-time Home of Representatives member for Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben Federal Constituency, mentioned the debt profile of the state from the administration of Chief John Odigie Oyegun in 1991 to the interval of Adams Oshiomhole between 2008 and 2016 was not lower than N44 billion.
He mentioned between November 12, 2016 and November 12, 2024, the eight years interval of Godwin Obaseki as governor, the debt profile rose to over N485 billion.
He mentioned the figures represented between 2000 and 3000 p.c increment.
“What is occurring in Edo State right now is of finest worldwide practices and never restricted to Edo State.
“We had states inside and out of doors Nigeria having to do this type of asset verification train.
“We aren’t doing it as a result of others are doing it, we’re doing it as a result of it’s completely vital that we do it.
“Might I exploit this chance to say that in the midst of the transition committee reviews, Edo State that’s 33 years outdated this yr, for a few of us who weren’t born then, Edo State was created in 1991, the overall debt profile of Edo state from 1991 to 2016 was lower than N44 billion.
“However as we communicate right now, Edo State debt profile is over N485 billion. That’s to say between 2016 and November 12, 2024, Edo State has collected debt that’s within the essence of a proportion of over 2000 or 3000 p.c in comparison with what we had within the earlier years.
“It will be significant that we take a look at the problems that concern Edo folks. It’s apparent that the cash we’re speaking about should in their very own estimation be used for one factor or the opposite, however it might be good to listen to from the instant previous authorities for the good thing about the members of the general public.”
Ikhariale mentioned the committee is open to receiving memorandum from members of the general public.
He emphasised that the target of the committee was to not witch hunt anyone or any company physique however for truth discovering.
