EDO State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday alleged that the outgoing governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, is frustrating a peaceful transition of power.
Obaseki, who came into office on November 12, 2016, is will end his eight-year tenure on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, when Okpebholo will be sworn into office.
Obaseki had alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was preparing to inaugurate Okpebholo without consulting with the state government.
He made the remark in Benin during the inauguration of caretaker committee for the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obaseki condemned the APC’s actions as lawless, emphasizing that the state government should be in charge of overseeing the inauguration programme.
However, the Governor-elect in a statement signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, on Sunday described Obaseki’s statement as laughable, absurd, and questionable.
He explained that since he won the election, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power, adding that Obaseki has not extended any invitation to him for a meeting or a tour of the Government House.
He stated that Obaseki should account for the billions of naira he allegedly misappropriated and apologise to Edo people for failing to develop the state in eight years.
The statement read: “Again, Obaseki also claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration, slated for next Tuesday. This is laughable, absurd, and questionable. Since Senator Okpebholo was declared winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
“As a sitting Governor, Obaseki should tell Edo people and Nigerians if he has ever invited the Governor-Elect, Senator Okpebholo to Government House for a meeting or a tour as a responsible man. Has Obaseki called Senator Okpebholo to congratulate him since he won the election?
“Obaseki should cover his face in shame, account for the billions he has misappropriated, and apologise to Edo people for under-developing the State in the last eight years.
“We urge Edo people to disregard Obaseki’s reckless statements and support the incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo to remedy the many wrongs of this government.”
