• State govt, PDP bicker over flyover construction
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, approved the dissolution of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor also approved the disengagement of the management staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City, with immediate effect .
He said: “Both approvals were conveyed in a government special announcement dated November 20, 2024, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
“It is hereby announced, for the information of the general public, that the governor of Edo State has approved the dissolution of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions with immediate effect.
“Accordingly, all affected members of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions are to hand over all government properties in their possession to their respective heads of the institutions.”
MEANWHILE, the Edo State Government has flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park in Benin City, the state capital, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) engaged to handle the project.
The construction is expected to be completed within an 18-month timeline, addressing traffic congestion and improving infrastructure in the city.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor emphasised the significance of the project, describing it as a transformative step to enhance transportation, boost economic activity, and improve the social dynamics of Benin City and Edo State.
According to him, the project is critical to fulfilling his administration’s infrastructure development goals. The announcement was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua,
The governor emphasised that the flyover would serve as a major gateway connecting Benin City to other parts of Nigeria via the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba expressways.
“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and Edo State. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country.
“Therefore, Ramat Park Fly-Over will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Speaker and other honourable members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation. To the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, we look forward to seeing you work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.”
On its part, the Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called Okpebholo to make public the procurement procedure for the newly flagged off ‘emergency’ overhead bridge at Ramat Park, in Benin City.
In a statement, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, said the people of the state demand and deserve transparency and clarity on the cost of the project, adding that spending money without appropriation is an impeachable offence.
