OSHIOMHOLE, mni, GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE ON THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 2012
My dear people of Edo State,
In view of the increase in the price of petrol by the Federal
Government and the consequential rise in the cost of living, it has
become necessary for my Administration to take some crucial measures
to cushion the effect on the people of Edo State.
Having followed the debate on the issue of subsidy removal, it is
clear to me that the major problem is that the public does not trust
that the proceeds will be utilized judiciously.
However, I assure you that in Edo State, this will not be the case.
We are determined to ensure that the pains arising from the partial
removal of subsidy translate to concrete gains for the generality of
our people.
I am convinced that the process of rebuilding this trust between the government and the governed requires that
we take concrete, visible and measurable steps aimed at creatively
using the accruing revenue to deliver the greatest good to the
greatest number of our people in the shortest possible time.
Therefore, although we have not yet ascertained the precise accrual to
Edo State from the Federation Accounts as a result of the reduction in
the subsidy on petrol, I am conscious of the need for immediate
measures to alleviate the effects of the consequential escalation in the cost of living.
Accordingly, we have structured a programme to creatively and
judiciously distribute the revenue gains to the generality of Edo
People through the following policy measures:
FREE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
My Administration has abolished all fees and levies, including PTA
levies, in all public senior secondary schools for both indigenes and
residents. We will in addition sustain our existing policy of
absolutely free and compulsory education at the primary and junior
secondary school levels.
I expect that this new universal free primary and secondary education
will benefit the generality of our people.
REDUCTION OF FEES AT THE AMBROSE ALI UNIVERSITY
I have directed the authorities of the Ambrose Ali University to
reduce tuition fees payable by each student by N15,000 for regular undergraduate students
irrespective of state of origin. In the same vein, I have directed a
N5,000 reduction in fees payable by each part-time undergraduate student.
The total value of this reduction will be paid to the University by
the Edo State Government en bloc in addition to the current N210 monthly
subvention. This effectively means that the AAU will not suffer any
loss of revenue.
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR PENSIONERS AND SENIOR CITIZENS OF AGE 70 AND ABOVE.
In addition to our existing free ante-natal care and delivery and the
free treatment for children under the Age of 5, I have decided to
introduce free medical treatment for pensioners and senior citizens,
indigenes and non-indigenes who are resident in Edo State, who are 70
years and above in all State Government hospitals.
In addition, we have concluded plans for free eye test and free eye
glasses for those aged 60 and above in public hospitals.
EDO CITY TRANSPORT SERVICE
Similarly, I have directed the Edo City Transport Services to maintain
and not increase the current bus fares.
I have also directed the company to introduce a 50% subsidy on
transport fares for public and private primary school pupils and secondary school
students in uniform to and from school. This will take effect from the 1st of February
2012, by which time all the ticketing details would have been worked out.
In addition, we have concluded arrangements to double the Comrade Bus Service
fleet by acquiring more buses.
CONCLUSION
I wish to again express appreciation to the people of Edo State for
their unflinching trust, understanding and support, especially during
the challenging events of the past two weeks. In particular, I am
deeply gratified by the appreciation of my position and role in the
resolution of the crisis arising from the subsidy reduction.
For me, there are no easy solutions to the problems that confront our
nation. However, to meet the multi-facetted challenges of good
governance, I believe that leaders at all levels need to set aside
personal political calculations in the larger interest of the polity.
Therefore, whereas it was convenient for me at this point to exploit
the current issue to orchestrate my political interests, especially as
elections are around the corner, the overriding interest of our
country was utmost in my mind.
Finally, as I have always argued, our problems as a people are not
insurmountable. Through constructive dialogue, critical citizen
engagement, activism and contestations as well as collective reflection on
policy options, which the events of the last two weeks represent, I am
convinced that we can improve the quality and pace of development in
Nigeria.
I wish to reassure the people of Edo State of this Administration’s
continuous determination to sustain and intensify the tempo of
development, as well as improve the quality of lives of our people
through our investments in education, roads, health, environmental
renewal, water, agriculture and other areas.
May God bless you all
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm No Longer Interested, My Spirit Has Left There - Fubara Speaks on Returning As Rivers Gov. (VID)
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Storms Venue of PDP Meeting With Governors Present
Panic In Abuja As Pastor Shoots Two Immigration Officers After Being Mistaken Them For Robbers
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable