Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged state and local government authorities to ensure that the financial gains from the removal of fuel subsidy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration translate into tangible development and relief for ordinary Nigerians. Speaking on Wednesday in Benin City during an event marking Governor Monday Okpebholo’s one-year anniversary in office, themed “365 Days: Rebuilding a New Edo,” Oshiomhole commended the governor’s performance while charging subnational governments to deploy the increased federation allocations to improve citizens’ welfare.
“You can get all the knocks for blocking leakages and facing resistance from those who benefited from them, but the President sees what you are doing,” Oshiomhole said. “What I hope is that local governments under your leadership, to which autonomy has been given, do not divert resources. Each local government should be able to say, ‘This is what we have done in our own locality in one year.’ That way, money will trickle down to the people and life will not be the same.” The former governor noted that President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the subsidy removal, had plugged financial leakages and redirected more revenue into the federation account, thereby increasing funds available to state and local governments.
“Because of the blockage of leakages, more money now flows to the federation account,” he said. “The President took those difficult decisions so that, in time, the benefits will begin to manifest and people will see evidence of the sacrifices they made.” Oshiomhole described Tinubu’s reforms as tough but necessary for national recovery and commended Okpebholo for complementing federal efforts through people-oriented projects. “Every leader with a great heart must make difficult decisions in the morning so that by evening the benefits will begin to manifest,” he said. “That is what our president has done, and as more resources come to you, you’ve chosen to put them where they will have the maximum impact.”
He lauded the Okpebholo administration for prioritising infrastructure and social projects that reflect responsible governance and effective use of public funds. “I can’t wait to drive on this flyover — this is a prestigious project,” Oshiomhole remarked. “You are using government to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number in the shortest possible time.” The senator also praised the collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the state, describing such harmony as essential for progress and stability. “Everything that has been done reflects the collaboration between the legislature, the judiciary, and the government,” he said.
The event, attended by dignitaries including traditional rulers and members of the National Assembly, also featured reflections on the state government’s achievements during its first year in office. Oshiomhole’s remarks come amid renewed national debate on how state governments are utilising increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy, reinforcing calls for the benefits of economic reforms to reach the grassroots.
