Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO’s) have told the State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki not to undermine their importance in the democratic governance of the State.
Coordinator-General of EDOCSO’s, Leftist Omobude Agho stated this during the first General Assembly of the group at it’s State secretariat in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr Taiwo Akerele who represented the state government at the meeting, said his presence was to correct some misconceptions about the policies and programmes of the government.
EDOCSO’S recently criticized the Obaseki’s led government on mainstream and social media for turning a side cheek, when political thugs attacked unarmed protesters and journalists in Benin City, for daring to demand for explanation about the recently privatised remodelled multi-billion naira Central hospital complex and other issues of concern.
Speaking, Leftist Omobude Agho, decried the poor level of partnership between Edo State Government and the Civil society in the advancement of the society which he said remains apolitical.
He told the visiting CoS that members of his group well responsible people in the society who are not Pushovers in their various chosen careers but highly interested in the well-being of members of the society.
But Mr. Akerele, condemned the attacks on members of EDOCSO’S when they protested over the alleged privatisation of the Central Hospital.
He explained that the Central Hospital was solely owned by the State government, but managed by a third party and suggested that the conversation should be built around sustainability and affordability to the masses.
He assured of a Town Hall meeting, where all Stakeholders will be brought to speak on the activities of government for feedback opportunities, which the government could adopt to improve its policies.
The chief of staff also promised to revisit the violent attack against the group members with a view to replacing some the physically damaged property and punish severely all those responsible for the unprovoked attack.
Recall that some unidentified polical thugs who were in their riot gear, wielding fire arms, brutalized and injured some of the protesters, including a Journalist who is the Rave Television reporter in Edo State, Mr Jimoh Ogirima and destroyed his Camcorder and tripod.
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