Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said despite several entreaties by his administration, the Federal Government has refused to allow the state government to fix dilapidated federal roads in the state.
Obaseki said this while addressing the congregation at the inauguration and enthronement of Ven. Ebenezer Omeiza Saiki as the second Diocesan Bishop of Akoko-Edo Diocese at St. James Cathedral, Ugbogbo, Igarra, in Akoko Edo Local Council the State.
The governor, who decried the deplorable state of the roads and the need for urgent intervention to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, called on residents and other road users to plead with the Federal Government to allow the state to fix the roads.
Speaking to the congregation, Obaseki said: “I promised His Royal Highness (HRH), the Otaru of Igarra, that I would be attending the Abba Festival as a special guest a couple of days ago. I actually was on my way, but no road to get there. So, I went back to Benin.
“I want to repair and fix your road, but you have to help me beg them in Abuja to let me do it because they say it’s their roads and will not allow a state to fix them.”
On the need for sustained collaboration between political and religious leaders to drive growth and development across the state and the entire country, the governor noted: “If we are to make progress, it will make sense for any leader in government to partner with leaders in the church to understand what is going on with the people they govern.
“As a governor, who deals with everybody in the state, I know the importance of the Church, which is why we don’t joke with the Church and our religious leaders. The role of the Church is so important because people approach religious leaders when they are in need and in a hopeless situation to help them through that challenge. A lot of people come to see religious leaders; but how many can reach me? They do more for you sometimes than the government does.”
Source: The Guardian
