Edo 2020: APC, Obaseki Trade Words Over Ownership of Modular Refinery

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki have exchanged accusations over the ownership and development of a modular refinery being constructed in the state.

Chairman of the APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki, accused the Obaseki administration of misleading residents by presenting the refinery as a state government project.

Speaking at a press conference, Mayaki said the refinery recently inspected by a Federal Government delegation was privately owned and that the state government’s contribution did not justify claiming ownership of the project.

According to him, the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company was owned by AIPCC Energy Limited, a joint venture involving AFCOM and Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China.

He said the facility, valued at about $10.2 million, was expected to produce diesel, naphtha and low-pour fuel oil.

Mayaki added that the Federal Government supported the project through duty waivers on imported refinery equipment and components.

He argued that since the Federal Government was not claiming ownership despite providing support, the Edo State Government should also clearly distinguish between facilitating the investment and owning the refinery.

The APC campaign official accused Obaseki of attempting to take political credit for a privately financed project ahead of the governorship election.

The state government, however, rejected the criticism.

Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the APC was attempting to diminish the governor’s role in attracting and facilitating the refinery project.

Osagie argued that the visit by a Federal Government delegation demonstrated the significance of the project and the contribution of the Obaseki administration to creating an environment that enabled the investment.

According to him, federal officials who inspected the facility expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and commended the state government’s role in supporting the project.

He maintained that the refinery formed part of the administration’s broader efforts to attract private investment, industrialise Edo State and create economic opportunities.

The disagreement therefore centred largely on the distinction between ownership of the refinery and the role played by the state government in facilitating its establishment.

While the APC insisted that the privately owned nature of the project should be clearly acknowledged, the Obaseki administration maintained that attracting and supporting such investments remained a legitimate achievement of government.

The exchange came as both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party intensified their campaigns ahead of the September 19, 2020 Edo State governorship election.