Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns over what he described as outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s erratic public behavior and sudden disappearance from the state.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo expressed that many Edo citizens are troubled by Obaseki’s recent actions and questioned his mental state.
According to the statement, Obaseki reportedly fled Benin City, the state capital, using a disguised bus and has not been seen for over 72 hours.
“As of Friday, November 8th, Governor Obaseki’s whereabouts remain unknown. He cleared out the Edo State Government House and abandoned his duties, escaping via road instead of using the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why resort to such evasive measures?” Okpebholo stated.
He suggested that these tactics were an attempt to distract the public from Obaseki’s alleged plan to leave the country through land borders.
The Governor-elect accused Obaseki of trying to undermine the election outcome by spreading falsehoods. “Obaseki is pushing these narratives to divert attention, but Edo people are aware of his schemes,” the statement read.
Obaseki had earlier claimed that Okpebholo failed to invite him to the upcoming inauguration.
Responding to this, Okpebholo dismissed the claim as “laughable and absurd,” stating that Obaseki had made no effort to facilitate a peaceful power transfer or extend an invitation for a meeting.
“Since I was declared the winner, Obaseki has done everything possible to frustrate the transition process. He has neither invited me for discussions nor offered a tour of the Government House. Has he even called to congratulate me?” Okpebholo queried.
The Governor-elect reiterated that he won the September 21st election convincingly and was confident the tribunal would uphold his victory.
“Obaseki is still licking his wounds of defeat and is yet to accept the reality. Edo people, through the ballot, rejected the planned continuation of Obaseki’s satanic government through his glorified stooge, Asue Ighodalo,” he mocked Obaseki.
He also warned Obaseki of potential legal repercussions once his immunity lapses.
“Although I am a man of peace, I will not stand by while he continues to distort the truth. When his immunity ends, Obaseki will be held accountable for his statements in court,” Okpebholo stated firmly.
Addressing Obaseki’s tenure, Okpebholo urged the people of Edo State to look forward to a new chapter of development.
“Obaseki should face the reality of his administration’s failures, account for the funds misappropriated, and apologize for the stagnation of progress over the past eight years. It’s time for Edo to move forward,” he concluded.
Okpebholo called on Edo citizens to disregard Obaseki’s “irresponsible” statements and rally behind the incoming administration to foster positive change and growth in the state.