THE Edo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded words over demands that former governor Godwin Obaseki return to the state to respond to allegations of financial impropriety during his eight years in office.
The Edo PDP rejected the call, insisting that neither the government nor any institution has the authority to compel Obaseki to return under the pretext of questioning him about his tenure.
The party maintained that the former governor would only return at a time of his choosing.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr Toni Azeigbemi, said the party stood firmly behind Obaseki, describing the allegations as an unjustified attack on what he termed the former governor’s reform-driven legacy and transformational projects.
He accused the state government of politicising the issue of accountability in a bid to discredit Obaseki after leaving office.
In response, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the PDP’s stance, arguing that all public office holders are obligated to account for their stewardship.
He said anyone with nothing to hide would not shy away from scrutiny, adding that Obaseki’s continued stay abroad had raised concerns.
Afegbua further alleged that the former governor was avoiding accountability, claiming that his absence suggested involvement in financial misconduct.
According to him, Obaseki would have willingly returned home if his record in office was free of irregularities.