By Ayo Kehinde
Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns over what he describes as outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s attempts to hinder a peaceful transfer of power.
Okpebholo claimed Obaseki’s recent utterances reflect a need for urgent psychiatric assessment.
Obaseki, while speaking in Benin City during the inauguration of a caretaker committee for the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, alleged that the All Progressives Congress borrowed funds to finance the November 12 inauguration of Okpebholo.
According to the Governor, the inauguration would cost between N2 billion and N5 billion, an expense he criticised amidst Edo’s financial obligations, stating that APC is “blowing” state funds on the ceremony without inviting him to attend.
In a swift response issued through his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, the governor elect accused Obaseki of spreading falsehoods as a diversion tactic, alleging that the outgoing governor plans to leave the country covertly.
According to Okpebholo, Obaseki departed Benin City on Friday under disguised circumstances, abandoning governance just days before his official exit from office.
“As of Friday, 8th of November, the whereabouts of Obaseki is unknown. He has chased everyone out of Edo State Government House,” the Governor-Elect stated. “He did not pass through the airport. Instead, he hired a bus and disguised while escaping from Edo State. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport?”
He further criticised Obaseki’s accusations as a calculated ploy to deflect public attention. He suggested that Obaseki, who he accused of mismanaging state funds, is “engaging in beer parlour talks” to mask his administration’s failings.
“Obaseki, who has supervised one of the biggest financial misappropriations in Edo State, is now pushing baseless narrative.
“The people of Edo have rejected Obaseki’s so-called legacy by electing a new direction under the APC,”Okpebholo stated.
Okpebholo also addressed Obaseki’s claim of not being invited to the inauguration, dismissing it as “laughable.”
He questioned whether Obaseki had ever reached out for a meeting or tour to facilitate a smooth transition, adding that the outgoing governor’s actions have been obstructive.
“Since Senator Okpebholo was declared winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
“ Obaseki should instead focus on accounting for the billions misappropriated during his tenure and apologise to the people of Edo for the underdevelopment witnessed over the past eight years.”
Okpebholo urged Edo residents to disregard Obaseki’s “reckless statements” and rally behind the incoming administration to rebuild the state.
