Hardship: Coalition demands Okpebholo’s resignation

Okpebholo

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties on Thursday gave its backing to the protests that rocked different parts of Benin, Edo State on Tuesday and Wednesday over hardship.

The CRPP also called on the governor of the state, Monday Okpebholo, to resign, alleging that he seemed to lack the initiative to reduce poverty and tackle high cost of living in the state.

He also accused the governor of being fixated on the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 to the detriment of governance in the state.

Some youths on Wednesday barricaded sections of the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway near the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, protesting worsening economic hardship and what they described as “disconnected political promises.”

The demonstrators barricaded the highway for several hours, disrupting vehicular movement and leaving commuters stranded.

They demanded urgent government intervention to address rising food prices, unemployment, and the high cost of living.

However, a statement by the Chairman of the coalition, Dr Samson Isibor, made available to journalists in Benin City on Friday, expressed the need for the governor to do more for the people to be convinced that he had their interest at heart. He said, “We have noted with grave concern that wherever you turn to in Edo State, it is lamentation. The heat of poverty is staring us in the face. We have never had it this bad in Edo State. That was what led to the massive protest by youths and other citizens in Benin on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“CRPP condemns the lackadaisical and nonchalant attitude of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Sadly, there is no visible effort from his government to ameliorate the suffering of our people.

“Edo is at a standstill as if there is no government in the state. Insecurity is at its worst state ever, kidnapping is unabated, unemployment is high, cost of house rent is beyond the reach of the citizens.

“We, therefore, call on Okpebholo to either wake up to his responsibilities or resign, because it is obvious that he is bereft of ideas to solve the alarming poverty confronting Edo people.” Punch