Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, through his special adviser on media projects, Crusoe Osagie, has asked the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to wait till November 12, this year to begin governance.
He cautioned Okpebholo against making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there were two governors in Edo.
Osagie, yesterday in Benin, described the statement by a “so-called” special assistant to the Edo governor-elect as spurious and was not only incoherent and riddled with fake news, but contained unfounded conjectures, targeted at undermining Obaseki’s government.
He said: “A self-styled special assistant, who nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there were two governors in Edo State. Assuming he is really speaking for the Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he could not substantiate because they were barefaced lies.
“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some sort of clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish muddling.
“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to come, before they begin to govern, as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time.”
Okpebholo, in a statement on Wednesday night, accused Obaseki’s administration of massive looting and property vandalism.
Edo governor-elect also told banks and other financial institutions to avoid approving loans to any government official in the outgoing Obaseki-led administration.
In addition to the advisory issued to financial institutions, Okpebholo also raised the alarm that there were reports of ongoing looting of government assets such as vehicles, furniture, and rice palliatives by some unnamed officials in the outgoing administration.
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He said: “It is sad that barely one month to handover, the out-going administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.
“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalism of property, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.
“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them in the past eight years.”
Edo governor-elect also called on the relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, to thoroughly probe the allegations and ensure those found culpable were held accountable.
Okpebholo pleaded that assets in the Government House, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, and offices should be protected from vandals, while promising that the incoming administration would continue to monitor the situation, until the last day of the outgoing administration.
