By joshua 
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has raised alarm over what is described as worsening economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions in Edo State and across Nigeria, warning that citizens are facing unprecedented levels of poverty.
The party stated that the current situation represents one of the most difficult periods for Nigerians, noting that the severity of hardship has triggered widespread frustration and public outcry, particularly in Edo State.
A release signed by, the National Chairman of CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor, stated that residents across the state are grappling with rising poverty, insecurity, and lack of basic infrastructure, adding that “wherever you turn to in Edo, it is lamentation.”
According to him, “Nigerians have never had it so bad like the situation we are passing through. The heat of poverty is staring us in the face, and we have never had it this bad in Edo State.”
Isibor linked the growing discontent to the recent peaceful protest by youths and other residents in Benin City, held on Wednesday to draw attention to the worsening socio-economic conditions.
The coalition criticised the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing it of showing a lack of urgency and commitment in addressing the challenges facing the people.
“CRPP condemns the lackadaisical and nonchalant attitude of the state government. Sadly, there is no visible effort to ameliorate the suffering of our people,” he said.
He further alleged that the state appears to be “at a standstill,” citing rising insecurity, increasing cases of kidnapping, high unemployment, and soaring cost of living as key concerns.
It also pointed to the high cost of house rent, poor road conditions, lack of functional healthcare facilities, and what it described as an absence of meaningful infrastructural development across the state.
The CRPP added that the harsh business environment has forced some entrepreneurs to relocate out of Edo due to the high cost of operations.
While expressing support for the recent protest, the coalition described it as a legitimate and peaceful expression of citizens’ frustration and a call for urgent government intervention.
“We support the peaceful protest by citizens in Benin to draw the attention of both the state and federal governments to the deplorable conditions in Edo and Nigeria at large,” Isibor noted.
The chairman, however, called on Governor Okpebholo to take immediate and decisive steps to address the situation or consider stepping aside if unable to provide solutions.
He called on the governor to wake up to his responsibilities or resign, as it is becoming evident that the government lacks the ideas needed to tackle the alarming poverty confronting Edo people,” the statement added.
CRPP also cautioned against what it described as undue political focus ahead of future elections, urging the government to prioritise governance and the welfare of citizens.