News

‘FG’s Policies Major Cause Of Hardship’ – Obaseki Reacts As Edo Protesters Worship On Street

Published

5 months ago

Aug 5, 2024.

Governor Obaseki blames federal policies for hardship in Nigeria and outlines Edo State’s measures to alleviate suffering, including wage increases and free transport.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, stated on Sunday that the hardship in the country is attributable to the policies of the Federal Government. This remark came as hunger protesters in Edo State held a church service on the street.

In a statement, Obaseki highlighted that his government has implemented several people-oriented programs to alleviate the suffering of Edo residents amidst the challenging living conditions caused by federal policies.

EDITOR’S PICK

Obaseki detailed some of these initiatives, including raising the minimum wage for workers to N70,000 to enhance their purchasing power, introducing a free transport scheme on routes operated by the Edo City Transport Service, extending free Wi-Fi services to public spaces to aid telecommuting, and launching a statewide feeding program for the vulnerable in collaboration with Christian and Muslim institutions, among other measures.

Obaseki said, “The protest is obviously the result of the difficult living conditions which Nigerians have had to endure, particularly over the last year, arising from various policies that have been implemented by the Federal Government.

“These policies have taken a severe toll on citizens who have had to endure astronomical food prices, high transportation costs, galloping inflation, and loss of operating capital by small business owners across the country.

“In Edo State, we have taken several actions within our constitutional authority to reduce the suffering and hardship of our people by showing empathy and supporting our people to weather and survive this trying time despite the challenges witnessed across the nation.”

Obaseki Edo Protesters

Some protesters in the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests continued their protest on Sunday and held a Church service on the road as part of Sunday activities in the state.

Some Civil Society Organisations had on Saturday withdrawn from the protest, opting to wait for President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning before deciding on their next line of action.

However, at the Agho Junction on Ekehuan Road where the church service held, the protesters sang and danced while praising God and calling for an end to bad governance.

The protesters barricaded the road during the church service, restricting vehicular movement.

Soldiers in convoy were seen patrolling the major roads in the state with a view to clear any barricade placed by protesters.