Oshiomhole accuses Igbinedion of diverting N4bn bank loan
From Usman A. Bello, Benin
The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that former governor of the state, Mr Lucky Igbinedion, diverted N4 billion loan meant for development during his tenure.
He also alleged that the former governor diverted the money in connivance with then Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Oshiomole said this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, in reaction to Ize-Iyamu’s comment that Edo is the most indebted state in the country.
“The facts are clear that in spite of earning the highest revenues from the federation account, the PDP states in the South-South region are the most indebted in the region and not Edo State.
“The domestic debt profile released by the DMO as at December 31, 2015, lists Delta State as having a debt profile of N320,605 billion, Akwa Ibom N147,575 billion, Cross River N115,522 billion, Rivers, N134,9566 billion and Bayelsa N103,374 billion as against Edo which had a far lower profile. While the other South-South PDP States have continued to amass domestic debts with high-interest rates, Edo is close to completely liquidating its domestic debt,” he said.
He added, “While Ize-Iyamu continues to peddle falsehood, we have the record of the N4 billion borrowed by the PDP government of Mr Lucky Igbinedion, with the knowledge of Osagie Ize-Iyamu as SSG and paid to an address in Lagos”.
“Edo people know that the PDP and Ize-Iyamu are the ones who have record of borrowing to steal and not the APC government led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The records are there and no amount of concocted stories by hack writers will distort the facts”, he added.
Reacting, Ize-Iyamu described Oshiomhole as a shameless liar, saying “if there was any truth in it why has he not reported the matter to the EFCC”.
“I don’t know of Igbinedion, but throughout my work in government, I didn’t steal any kobo, I have a clean name,’’ he said.