PDP alleges invasion of Obaseki’s private residence

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of sending thugs to the private residence of the former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, to recover vehicles and other government property.

The party also accused Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of sending thugs to invade its state secretariat allegedly to steal and destroy court papers in respect of the recent governorship election in the state.

However, in a swift reaction to the allegation, Okpebholo through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua said the rot and fraud perpetrated by the PDP and Obaseki would soon be exposed.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Secretariat, chairman, caretaker committee of PDP, Tony Azeigbemi also accused Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa of breaching the constitution by not resigning their positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives despite being elected as governor and deputy governor.

He said, “It is most unfortunate and disappointing that in just 14 days in office, Okpebholo, through his actions and inactions, have succeeded in setting a dangerous tone for crisis and breach of public peace, and we are worried that this troubling precedent may just be an ignition for a conflagration that may well be avoided.

“Just last week, the APC mobilized thugs to attack the PDP Secretariat on Airport Road, in Benin City, in their desperation to intimidate and frustrate our efforts at reclaiming the mandate duly given to our party and its candidate Asue Ighodalo at the September 21 governorship election.

“In the same manner, thugs under the payroll of the Governor-Select Okpebholo as “government vehicle recovery agents” led by Kelty Okungbowa, 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.

“This is most reprehensible and unacceptable and we urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these barbaric attacks and ensure that the perpetrators of this lawless and dastardly acts are brought to book.

“We condemn this act in strongest terms. We are not surprised at these acts of lawlessness as it in their party DNA.

“We are also aware that the ’emergency’ overhead bridge flagged off by the Okpebholo led government at Ramat Park, Benin City, bypassed all standard procurement procedures.

“For eight years the PDP led administration paid salaries on or before the 25th of every month and as at today, they have not been able to pay November salary despite the fact the that the Obaseki led PDP administration left over N30 billion in the state coffers.”

Okpebholo reacts

Reacting to the allegations, Okoebholo through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua said the rot and fraud perpetrated by the PDP and Obaseki would soon be exposes.

A statement reads, “The factional chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State is yet to accept the clear reality that it has assumed the arduous role of an opposition party.

“The depleted and disorganised party ought to be apologising to Edo people for mismanaging their resources, denigrating revered traditional institutions, and allocating the commonwealth to a few insatiable criminals.

“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Elected and Executive Governor of Edo State, is in a hurry to develop Edo State. Since his inauguration a fortnight ago, he has remained undaunted, living up to the people’s expectations.

“Barely one week in office, he addressed and solved what the Godwin Obaseki-led administration could not confront in eight years. He has banned activities of touts across various markets in Edo State, hired by the Obaseki-led administration.

“Governor Okpebholo has confronted and solved the hydra-headed cult clashes in Benin City and has stopped illegal revenue collections as well.

“He has flagged off the first flyover bridge in Edo State and is addressing key and challenging problems deliberately packaged by the Obaseki administration.

“The PDP and Obaseki are worried that the public will be dazed when details of the atrocities he supervised as governor are unearthed.

“Today, it is on record that the Obaseki-led heinous administration dubiously doled out almost 500 Government-owned vehicles to his cronies and allies.

“The PDP-led heist in Edo State will be exposed. Governor Okpebholo-led administration will expose the atrocities of Obaseki and the factional PDP. No amount of blackmail will stop the Okpebholo-led administration from recovering the commonwealth of the people from a few dubious men.”