Ruga: Edo PDP Taunts Gov Obaseki On His Silence

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter has lamented over the continuous silence of  the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on the Federal Government plans to establish RUGA settlements in the State.

EDO PDP claimed that the APC-led government may have conceded Edo land to the Federal Government for the RUGA settlements, without considering the growing rate of herdsmen killings in the state.

The PDP in a statement signed by, the State Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, warned the State Governor to listen to the cries of Edo people, who had been traumatized by the heinous and nefarious activities of the herdsmen.

“In the midst of growing incidents of herdsmen killings in Edo State, we are shocked and bemused that Edo State government is silent on making a clear and categorical statement on RUGA settlement in the state. It is alleged and feared that the APC government of Godwin Obaseki has indeed conceded land to the federal government for a pilot program.

“Governor Obaseki must understand that our land is our heritage. He must realize that land is finite and cannot be used in exchange for political bargains and favor!

“Governor Obaseki must listen to EDO people. Listen to the cries of traumatized victims of Fulani herdsmen, widows and widowers, orphans and family members who have borrowed to pay ransom for kidnapped victims. Edo people reject Ruga settlement.

“Edo PDP demands a clear statement from the government on its position on this Ruga settlement!” Part of the statement reads.

Reacting to the crisis rocking the Edo Assembly, the party urged the law makers to sheath their swords and perform their constitutional responsibilities in order to give Edo people the benefits of their mandate, noting that it is saddened that lawmakers in Oyo, Benue, and Rivers States have started delivering their legislative responsibilities to their people while Edo assembly is being rocked by the internal conflicts in Edo APC.

“At a time other states assemblies, Benue especially, are passing resolutions and directing and supporting their governors on their rejection of RUGA Settlements, majority of our members-elect are yet to take their seats in assembly. While Rivers and Oyo states are declaring free education for all students in primary and secondary schools our state government is busy closing down institutions of learning.

“Arousa primary school has been closed down for almost 2 years now and there is no sign it will reopen soon!  Members who should lead the agitation for government critical intervention to ameliorate the hardships of the people are missing in action!”

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