Former member of the House of Representatives and Edo South Senatorial aspirant, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of failing to deliver on its “Renewed Hope” agenda and worsening economic hardship in the country.
Agbonayinma, who represented Ikpoba Okha/Egor Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly and also served as chairman of the National Character Commission (NCC), made the remarks during a consultation visit to leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, Edo State.
He expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying citizens were yet to experience the promised dividends of governance.
According to him, “We spoke about renewed hope in the first year, second year and now the third year, yet Nigerians have not seen any hope. What the people are witnessing today is renewed hopelessness. The suffering in the country has continued to increase despite our enormous human and natural resources.”
He lamented the rising cost of petroleum products, noting that diesel and petrol prices had become unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“In a country blessed with crude oil, diesel is over N2,000 per litre and petrol about N1,400 per litre. When fuel sold for N165, Nigerians protested massively, including religious leaders, but today everybody has kept silent while the nation continues to bleed,” he said.
Agbonayinma also raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of N24.5 trillion, calling for accountability from relevant government authorities.
He further accused former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, of concentrating federal appointments and opportunities meant for Edo State in Edo North at the expense of Edo South.
According to him, key federal appointments, including positions in the South-South Development Commission and other agencies, were being dominated by appointees from Edo North, while Edo South remained marginalised despite its voting strength in the state.
“The Edo South that lays the golden egg has been neglected. Everything is concentrated in Edo North. If elected into the Senate, I will fight to ensure Edo South gets its fair share and quality representation,” he stated.
The senatorial hopeful said his ambition was driven by a desire to provide effective representation for Edo South and to speak against injustice and economic hardship affecting Nigerians across the country.
