Benin City witnessed heightened political drama recently as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State threw down the gauntlet to former Governor Godwin Obaseki. APC chieftain and member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, Prince Kassim Afegbua, boldly challenged Obaseki to walk through the streets of Benin City. He sweetened the deal with a ₦50 million reward if the former governor is greeted with an overwhelmingly warm reception. Speaking at a press briefing following the inauguration of the Assets Verification Committee by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Afegbua dismissed criticisms from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as baseless distractions. “The PDP’s allegations are designed to mislead the public,” Afegbua said. “They claim we shut down the e-governance platform, but what they call e-governance was actually a hub for e-corruption. We’ve struggled to access critical data left by the previous administration.” Afegbua also rebuffed accusations that APC members attacked the PDP secretariat, labeling the claims as an attempt to tarnish the ruling party’s image. Instead, he emphasized the APC’s commitment to rebuilding Edo State, describing the previous administration’s tenure as one that left the state in “ruins of underdevelopment.” Transparency and Accountability Defending the Assets Verification Committee, Afegbua highlighted the importance of auditing the state’s assets. “Globally, it’s standard practice to review the state of affairs during a government transition. Edo State is no exception,” he remarked. The Street Walk Challenge Afegbua escalated the political tensions with his daring challenge. “If the PDP believes Obaseki is truly beloved, they should invite him for a street walk in Benin. We’re offering ₦50 million to see whether the people will celebrate or reject him,” he declared. Allegations of Coordinated Attacks Afegbua also accused Obaseki of orchestrating misinformation campaigns against the new administration. “He is sponsoring coordinated attacks to tarnish our image, but Edo people are wiser now and can see through these antics,” Afegbua added. As Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration takes the reins, the political atmosphere in Edo State continues to intensify. The APC remains steadfast in its pledge to bring transparency, development, and renewed trust to the people of Edo. READ ALSO:
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong directive to security agencies to make the state unsafe for criminals while ensuring safety for law-abiding citizens. The governor made this statement on Monday night during a press briefing following his first security council meeting held behind closed doors at Government House, Benin City. Security as a Top Priority Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that security is a cornerstone of his administration, emphasizing his commitment to protecting residents and ensuring Edo State remains a safe haven for all. “The safety of residents is my top priority, and we will take firm actions against activities that threaten public peace, especially cult-related violence,” he stated. During the meeting, the issue of cultism and its devastating impact on the state took center stage. The governor expressed zero tolerance for cult-related activities and vowed to take decisive measures to curb the menace. Crackdown on Cultism Governor Okpebholo described the rising cult-related killings, particularly in Benin City, as unacceptable. He directed security agencies to work collaboratively to eliminate these threats, promising swift action against those responsible for criminal activities. “We have tasked all security agencies to track down and uproot criminals wherever they hide. Edo State must be safe for residents and businesses but unsafe for criminal elements,” the governor asserted. Collaboration with Security Agencies In a show of solidarity, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, highlighted the productive discussions during the meeting, which centered on critical areas of concern and ongoing efforts to address security challenges. The Commissioner noted that the governor pledged full support to security agencies, providing them with the resources needed to safeguard the state. “We discussed key issues affecting the state and the progress made so far. The governor has assured us of his unwavering support in ensuring Edo remains a safe place for everyone to live and do business,” Ozigi said. Governor’s Call to Action Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to eradicating cultism and criminal activities while fostering a peaceful and secure environment for all residents. “We do not want to lose a single life to cultism or crime. This administration is fully committed to making Edo State a safe and prosperous place for everyone,” he concluded. READ ALSO:
