The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a challenge to former governor Godwin Obaseki, offering him a reward of N50 million if he can walk freely on the streets of Benin City and receive a warm reception from residents.
Kassim Afegbua, an APC chieftain and member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, made the declaration during a press briefing at the Government House in Benin City, following the committee’s inauguration by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“If the opposition is truly serious, they should please invite ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to Edo for a street walk. We are ready to pay him N50 million for that particular exercise and let us see who the Edo people will embrace,” Afegbua declared.
Afegbua also dismissed allegations levelled against the new administration by the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP had accused the APC-led government of shutting down the e-governance platform established during Obaseki’s tenure.
He described the e-governance platform as “e-corruption,” accusing the former administration of opacity in its operations.
“We tried to access the so-called e-governance platform, but we couldn’t even access basic information,” he alleged.
Addressing claims that APC thugs had invaded the PDP secretariat, Afegbua labelled the accusation as baseless, adding that the new government is focused on rebuilding the state and has no interest in such distractions.
“We are too preoccupied and busy picking up Edo State from the ashes of underdevelopment that the previous government plunged it into,” he said.
Afegbua also defended the state government’s decision to set up an Asset Verification Committee, stating that it was a necessary step to evaluate the status of the state’s assets and ensure transparency.
The APC maintained that its steps since taking office have already resonated positively with the people of Edo State.