Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed concern over the behavior of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has reportedly fled the state capital, Benin City, in a disguised bus.
Okpebholo claims Obaseki’s whereabouts are unknown, and he has abandoned governance in the state, sparking worries among Edo people.
Okpebholo’s statement, signed by Godspower Inegbe, reveals that Obaseki chased out everyone from the Government House on Friday, more than 72 hours before his official departure. Okpebholo believes Obaseki is making false claims to distract the public from his alleged plans to leave the country through land borders.
“As of Friday, 8th of November, Obaseki’s whereabouts are unknown… He has escaped through the road out of Benin, instead of using the airport,” Okpebholo’s statement reads. “Obaseki is trying to push out these narratives to distract the public. His antics will not work.”
The Governor-elect also responded to Obaseki’s claim that he wasn’t invited to the inauguration, slated for next Tuesday, calling it “laughable, absurd, and questionable.” Okpebholo noted that Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power since his election win.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his victory in the September 21 governorship election, stating that the tribunal would soon validate his claims. He warned Obaseki to stop making false claims, reminding him that he will soon lose his immunity and face the full wrath of the law.
“Obaseki should cover his face in shame, account for the billions he has misappropriated, and apologize to Edo people for under-developing the State in the last eight years,” Okpebholo’s statement concludes.
“We urge Edo people to disregard Obaseki’s reckless statements and support the incoming administration to remedy the many wrongs of this government.”