Ahead of Tuesday’s handover in Edo state, the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo said that the outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki is frustrating the peaceful transfer of power.
Okpebholo made the declaration at the weekend in a statement signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, made available to journalists in Abuja.
Okpebholo’s reaction was on the heels of claim by Governor Obaseki that he has not been invited to the scheduled inauguration of the Governor- elect.
Okpebholo however dismissed the claim by Governor Obaseki as he declared that since he won the election, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
The Governor-elect noted that Obaseki has not extended any invitation to him for a meeting or a tour of the Government House.
The statement read: “Again, Obaseki also claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration, slated for next Tuesday. This is laughable, absurd, and questionable. Since Senator Okpebholo was declared winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
“As a sitting Governor, Obaseki should tell Edo people and Nigerians if he has ever invited the Governor-Elect, Senator Okpebholo to Government House for a meeting or a tour as a responsible man. Has Obaseki called Senator Okpebholo to congratulate him since he won the election?
“We urge Edo people to disregard Obaseki’s reckless statements and support the incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo to remedy the many wrongs of this government.”
The statement further took exception to the claim by Governor Obaseki that the Governor -elect is parading a stolen mandate.
“The Peoples Democratic Party is already challenging the outcome of the election in court. We are therefore worried that Obaseki is in a hurry to pre-empt the outcome of the tribunal by repeatedly making false claims.
“Unfortunately for Obaseki, his baseless claims will not stand. The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Ighodalo, have no case against Senator Okpebholo. The tribunal will soon confirm that.”
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