Trader Money VS Smart Money: APC Demands Apology From PDP, Okowa

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has demanded an apology over the earlier criticism of the social investment scheme of the Federal Government and eventual adoption of same by Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

A statement signed by the State publicity secretary, Sylvester Imonina Esq., in Asaba, said that PDP as well as the State Governor, should show remorse to Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and the the party, for planning to introduce a scheme known as SMART money, patterned after trader money of the APC led government.

Recall that the government of Delta State recently announced its plans to empower traders with the sum of N10, 000 to boost their trade.

The statement by the Delta APC spokesman said “More than a year ago, the APC led Government introduced a social investment programmes to wit, trader-money and N-power to assist the less privileged in our society and give opportunity to Nigerians to be employed and eke out a living.

“The programmes were/are meant to bridge the wide gap between the super-rich, the rich and the less privileged, and also act as springboard to young entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from financial institutions, that are usually back by collateral.

“Today, the hope of many Nigerians whose hope were dimmed by PDP years of economic wastages are now rekindled by these programmes. Nigerians, especially the less privileged are happy with these programmes and APC led Federal Government is more endeared to the masses.

“In Delta State, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege who understands the feeling of his people embarks on giving out #10,000.00 each, to market women in Delta Central Senatorial District irrespective of political leaning. Also, Sen. Omo-Agege extended this programme to members of different denominations within the Christiandom.

“The beneficiaries are the identifiable less privileged in those churches. Many Men of God are appreciative of Sen. Omo-Agege and APC led Federal government programmes because the burden the less privileged in their midst posed on them is now reduced.

“Despite the laudability of the APC Federal led government and Sen. Omo-Agege programmes, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and/ or the government of Delta State, vehemently spoke against the programmes, saying that same is vote-buying, and a way of de-marketing PDP.

“This, to APC, is an economic assault and onslaught by the PDP and the Goverment of Delta State against the less privileged in our society.

“Surprising, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State, some days ago, said that he was going to empower about ten thousand persons (probably his pdp members) with #10,000.00 as part of his empowerment programmes.

“The question that comes to mind is, is this not vote-buying by Sen. Okowa? Where is that money coming from, because there is no budgetary provision for same by the House of Assembly!

“APC demands an apology from PDP and Sen. Okowa. Deltans should know that this is a Greek gift from Sen. Okowa. Deltans should reject Okowa government”.