CHAIRMAN, Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday, expressed worry over what it described as very troubling and disturbing developments in Edo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, which, if not appropriately addressed, could spell doom for democracy.
Briefing newsmen in Benin, Aziegbemi accused the governor, Monday Okpebholo, of running a government that is not interested in accountability and transparency but promoting anarchy to frustrate efforts at reclaiming the mandate duly given to the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, at the September 21 governorship election.
Aziegbemi noted that Okpebholo, through his actions and inactions, is setting a dangerous tone for crisis and breach of public peace since his assumption of office in just 14 days.
He said: “It has become imperative to draw the attention of the public and other stakeholders to the very troubling and disturbing developments in Edo State under the APC-led administration, which, if not appropriately addressed, could spell doom for our democracy and serve as a recipe for anarchy and instability, thereby threatening the peace, progress and security of our dear state.”
He alleged that the APC mobilised thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, in Benin City, last week, in their desperation to intimidate and frustrate the party’s efforts at reclaiming the mandate duly given to the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, at the September 21 governorship election.
Aziegbemi added that in the same manner, political thugs working for the government as “government vehicle recovery agents” led by a chieftain of the APC in the state, broke into the private residence of the immediate past governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, in Gestapo style, assaulting and harassing security personnel at the premises.
He said: “This is most reprehensible and unacceptable. We urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these attacks and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.”
Reacting to these the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, said that the factional chapter of the PDP in Edo State is yet to accept the clear reality that it has assumed the arduous role of an opposition party, adding that the governor is in a hurry to develop the state.
MEANWHILE, Crusoe Osagie, the media aide to the Edo former governor, Obaseki, has expressed disappointment that the state government, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, is justifying the shutdown or the Edo e-governance platform, reverting to the state’s civil service operations to paper files.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, Osagie said: “This irrational decision is not only shameful and regressive but also an insult to the sensibilities of Edo workers and the people of the state. It further exposes the government’s cluelessness and lack of the depth and knowledge required for effective governance and administration in the 21st century.”
He explained that the platform was operated by the Edo Information and Communication (ICT) Agency, a parastatal under the Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, with the support of expert consultants, ensuring a digital and efficient system for government processes and operations.
