The All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Committee has said that outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki was not invited to the inauguration ceremony of the new governor in Senator Okpeboro on Monday due to his alleged attempt to undermine the event. revealed that.
Naija News reported that APC candidate Okpebolo is expected to win the 2024 gubernatorial election and succeed Governor Obaseki whose second term ends on November 12, 2024.
Mr. Okpebolo defeated his nearest rival Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 15 other candidates in the September 21, 2024 election.
Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC Transition Committee, released a statement in Benin City titled “Obaseki and his Lament”, criticizing the outgoing governor for trying to sabotage the transition.
Mr. Afegbua alleged that instead of planning the inauguration ceremony as is customary, Mr. Obaseki was busy creating obstacles to a smooth transfer of power.
In response to Mr. Obaseki’s claim that the governor-elect borrowed ₦2 billion to ₦5 billion ₦5 billion ₦5 billion ₦5 billion ₦2 billion ₦5 billion from the ₦7 billion reserved by the state to pay for the project. The APC committee dismissed the charges.
They pointed out that such statements were a result of the PDP’s election defeat, and criticized them as “laughable” and “akin to remorse.”
Speaking at a PDP event on Friday, Mr Obaseki said the inauguration ceremony would cost between 2 billion and 5 billion pounds, and expressed concern that the funds were being misused for lavish ceremonies. He also expressed his frustration at not being invited to the event.
In its response, the APC Transition Committee emphasized that Mr. Obaseki’s claims are baseless.
They noted that in other countries, outgoing leaders organize inauguration ceremonies for incoming senior officials, but Obaseki’s actions were an attempt to prevent a smooth transition of power.
The committee accused him of creating unnecessary hurdles, including demanding an inaugural budget which the APC refused to provide.
Afegbua further noted that the incoming Governor-General took personal responsibility for funding the inauguration ceremony, ensuring that it was modest and focused on the needs of the people of Edo, rather than a lavish display. revealed.
He stressed that contrary to Mr Obaseki’s claims, no funds were borrowed for the event and that the new administration was committed to prudent financial management.
“Suddenly Mr. Godwin Obaseki realized the fragility of power and began lamenting the ongoing inauguration ceremony without any invitations. We find this laughable enough and feel remorseful. I felt that it was something I could do.
“In other parts of the world, outgoing governors and presidents host inauguration ceremonies for incoming governors, but following the PDP’s painful defeat in the elections, Governor Obaseki and his companions have set out to prevent the inauguration of the next governor. We are doing everything possible to
“Instead of sitting down and planning his inauguration as is being done in other regions, Governor Obaseki is busy laying land mines for a smooth transfer of power.
“Despite all the cooperation we have provided them, from the transition committee to the inaugural committee, what we have received is frustration and a new administration with all sorts of misguided government decisions.” This is a deliberate conspiracy to overburden the government.
“We frown upon these dubious plots that clearly defy standard procedure for transfers of power around the world.
“Our inaugural team met with the Secretary of State and then handed over our team to another Deputy Secretary.
“The said undersecretary had nothing on the table. She asked our team to present a budget for the inauguration, but we were accused of using fake funds for the inauguration. I turned it down because I didn’t want to,” he said.
Mr. Afegbua also expressed concern over the alleged misappropriation of government assets, claiming that most government vehicles were taken by officials and only one functional vehicle remained at the Edo State Government House.
He concluded by questioning the government’s intentions in allowing such actions to take place and called for a fair and smooth transition as the new administration prepares to take over.
“He also curtailed activities to make the whole ceremony a little more sedate. He is of the opinion that the inauguration should not be a major event.
“We are not renting a Kobo from anyone. We are not Governor Obaseki or his profligacy. We recognize that we have a responsibility to make life better for the average Edo native,” he said. said.
“Why should we borrow money for the inauguration? Did you know that as we speak, most government vehicles have been removed by government officials?
“There is only one functioning vehicle in the Edo Government Office. All vehicles have been taken away. Is that the government interested in inaugurating?” he asked.
