A Benin socio-cultural group, the Aigbe-Edo Progressive Alliance (A.P.A), on Sunday criticised the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Comrade Philip Shaibu, over alleged “anti-Benin” comments.
The group also took aim at the former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, whom it accused of casting aspersions on prominent Benin leaders during his tenure and, more recently, on celebrities of Benin origin, Shallypopi and Rema, during the campaigns for the governorship election.
In a statement signed by its President, Carl Otokiti, the group emphasized that while it did not oppose Shaibu’s fight against his impeachment, it cautioned him against speaking disrespectfully to the Benin people.
It advised Benin politicians who, it claimed, mischaracterize their fellow politicians for personal gain to desist immediately.
Part of the statement reads: “While respecting Mr. Philip Shaibu’s rights and privileges to express his frustrations over his impeachment, we warn him and Mr. Adams Oshiomhole to cease antagonizing the Benin people in the most notorious tribal connotations.
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“During the gubernatorial election campaign, Adams Oshiomhole criticized Charlie Poppy and Rema outstanding Nigerian pop music stars of Benin ancestral background simply because they appeared at the instance of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Philip Shaibu vilified Rema under the pretext that he was hosted at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to perform at a discounted gate fee. Philip Shaibu then proceeded to attack Barr. Osarodion Ogie’s character in a trending video interview in a most ridiculous manner, likening him to a scorpion.
“We have credible information that a number of Benin individuals who are princes and nobles have been targeted for character assassination due to their anti-Benin stance, in an effort to portray the Uzairue people as more politically credible in Tinubu’s presidential villa for more viable political appointments.”
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