BENIN CITY – A group, under the aegis of Edo Progressive Indigenes Association (EPIA), has berated the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, alleging abandonment of his immediate constituency, the people of Edo State in the wake of ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The group’s position was expressed during a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital at the end of what it tagged “COVID-19 Welfare Support Volunteer.”

According to the group, the welfare programme was to support the State government and Edo people with relief materials to cushion the challenges occasioned by the coronavirus outbreak and the partial locked down of the state by government.

The relief materials which consists of food items and cash donations was distributed across Edo South Senatorial District, to the elderly, widows, physically challenged and the homeless.

Speaking on on behalf of the group, the President, Dr Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, said that it is lamentable that the Minister, who hails from Edo state has turned his back against the people of his own state.

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He said that the Federal Government said it was going to distribute relief materials across 18 states in Nigeria, but described as worrisome, the non inclusion of Edo and Delta.

According to him, “Our own son is the Minister of Health in Nigeria that goes by the name Osagie Ehanire; unfortunately, he has not been able to perform as Edo indigene or attract anything to Edo indigenes doorsteps.

“The Minister has abandoned and turned his back against the indigenous people of Edo state

“Imagine a Minister of Health who cannot include his own state amongst the relief materials benefiting states on COVID-19 to be able to motivate the Federal Government for Edo state to be among the listed states they are sharing #5,000 Naira to, it’s a shame.”

The group therefore issued him a two week ultimatum within which to address his people, failure which they would mobilized Edo people across the state to pass a Vote of No Confidence on him.