Obaseki frustrating peaceful transfer of power in Edo — Okpebholo

Edo Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo on Sunday, accused the outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of doing everything possible to frustrate a peaceful transition of power ahead of his swearing-in on Tuesday. This was a reaction to Obaseki’s earlier statement on Friday that he is yet to get the invite for the swearing-in ceremony of Okpebholo, scheduled for Tuesday.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, and made available to newsmen in Abuja. Recall that Obaseki had alleged that the governor-elect and his party, the All Progressives Congress, were planning his inauguration without consulting or involving the state government in the preparations.

The governor condemned the planned action, which he said was lawless.

Reacting, Okpebholo slammed Obaseki, describing his utterances as reckless.

According to him, such a statement should not be coming from a man who has yet to place a call to congratulate his successor long after the election has ended.

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 Okpebholo was declared the 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 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.”

Continuing, Okpebholo stated that Obaseki had not been seen in the Government House 72 hours before his official departure from office.