The Edo state government has berated ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole over his comment on the receipt of oil derivation fund by the state, saying “the former governor left office with a debt of N160 billion after receiving N1 trillion from the federation accounts in eight years as governor, (2008-2016).
The government acknowledged receipt of only N2.1 billion from the N28bn that accrued to the state, being 13 percent oil derivation fund for oil producing states.
Edo state Commissioner for Budget and Finance, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, briefed journalists and said the distribution methodology adopted by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) indicated that #28bn accrued to the state and will be paid in 5 years of 20 tranches.
Eboigbe said, “The net amount will come to each state for over five years in 20 tranches. Each year, you will have quarterly remittances, which are four releases each year for over five years.
“The Edo state government got three tranches of N700 million per quarter, which amounts to N2.1 billion out of the N28 billion. It is verifiable,” he added.
On his part, the Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Chris Nehikare, berated Oshiomhole and said: “Oshiomhole doesn’t have the moral justification and authority to talk about transparency and accountability.
“Edo state now has the most transparent government in the last 30 years. We would not speak yet, thank God he is contesting the election and we will ask him vital questions at the right time.
“This state is not rich but has judiciously utilised the resources available as we are rich in human capital. We have the right people helping us to manage our resources in such a way that we get the major benefits.
Both commissioners briefed journalists Wednesday after the weekly executive council meeting chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, Benin City.
