Group bemoans rising cases of COVID-19 in Edo State

The Edo Progressive Indigenes Association (EPIA) has bemoaned what it described as Federal Government’s slow response to provide adequate funding in tackling the rising cases of COVID-19 in Edo State.

It also lamented the under-representation by Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who hails from the state, adding, “As an indigene of the state, we thought the minister would represent us adequately since COVID-19 started.

“But we regret to say that we have not felt any impact of federal government to cushion the effects of the lockdown.”

  The group stated this shortly after its tour of Benin City and environs to provide palliatives for Edo indigenes to cushion the effects of COVID-19.

Speaking to Journalists in Benin City, EPIA Secretary-General, Ine Gbenehi described Ehanire’s under-performance as disheartening to Edo people, saying, “What astonished us most is that we have a son and father, from whom we had expected proactive action, especially in the handling of the pandemic in his home state. Till now, he has neither taken any action in the health sector nor in his response to the humanitarian needs of the state.

“We, therefore, demand that he addresses Edo indigenes on how far his ministry has impacted on the state, especially with regard to COVID-19.

“Like a true son of Edo, he should have been able to ensure that whatever gets to other states also gets to Edo, even in greater measures. If he cannot do these in the next 10 days, we will be forced to pass a vote of no confidence in him.”