 has challenged former governor Godwin Obaseki to walk freely){kind=link}
The Edo State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged former governor Godwin Obaseki to walk freely through the streets of Benin City, promising a reward of N50 million if he receives a warm reception from residents.
This challenge was issued by Prince Kassim Afegbua, an APC leader and member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, during a press conference following the committee’s inauguration by Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
Afegbua addressed allegations and criticisms from the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) concerning the actions of Governor Okpebholo’s administration, which has been in office for less than two weeks.
He praised the new government for implementing people-centred policies that have gained public support.
Responding to the PDP’s claims, Afegbua dismissed accusations that the new administration had shut down an e-governance platform, calling it “e-corruption” instead.
He explained that the system was inaccessible and lacked transparency under the previous government.
He also rejected allegations that APC members had attacked the PDP secretariat, stating that the party is too focused on rebuilding the state to engage in such actions.
Afegbua defended the decision to set up an asset verification exercise, describing it as standard practice for any incoming administration.
He criticized the previous government for lacking accurate records and emphasized the importance of accountability in line with the APC’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He further urged the PDP to prove its popularity by inviting Obaseki for a public walk-in in Edo, reiterating the N50 million challenge as a test of his acceptance among the people.
Afegbua also accused the former governor of orchestrating attacks on the APC and its administration but vowed that such actions would not derail the government from delivering impactful projects and addressing the state’s pressing issues.