The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, has stated that former governor, Godwin Obaseki cannot be forced to return to the state.
Aziegbemi said this via a statement while reacting to calls by the Edo government for Obaseki to return to the state and face allegations of alleged financial impropriety during his tenure.
The PDP stated that Obaseki has the constitutional right to reside in any part of the country and warned that it would not tolerate any ploy to undermine the legacy of the former governor.
He said, “Former Governor Obaseki is a free citizen of Nigeria and has the liberty to stay wherever he deems fit. It is on record that he previously wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which subsequently reviewed Edo State’s financial records covering his eight years in office. To the best of our knowledge, no formal invitation has been extended to him by any investigative agency.”
He added that it was inappropriate and demeaning for the state government to issue public demands or attempt to pressure the former governor into returning to Edo State.
“It is disturbing and unacceptable for any government official to suggest that he must return under intimidation. He will come back to Edo State when he personally decides to do so, not because someone in government says he should,” Aziegbemi stated.