Benin City – The Edo State Government has accused some members of Godwin Obaseki-led factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of sponsoring kidnappings and cult-related violence across the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 3, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government described the recent allegations made by the Obaseki-led faction as “unsubstantiated” and part of a desperate attempt to politicize Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order in the state.
“Their lamentations of ‘political victimization’ resonate hollowly when juxtaposed with the tangible and resolute measures undertaken by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” the statement read, adding that no political affiliation would shield anyone involved in criminal activity from facing the full weight of the law.
The government maintained that Governor Okpebholo’s security strategy remains focused and unwavering, stressing that any individual or group found to be involved in criminal acts, regardless of their political leaning, will be prosecuted accordingly.
Responding to the PDP faction’s criticism of the government’s recently announced minimum wage increase, the statement described their remarks as “cynical” and “detached from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.” It emphasized that the wage increment was a genuine effort by the Okpebholo administration to improve the lives of Edo workers, not an “affront,” as claimed by the opposition.
The statement concluded by urging Edo residents to reject what it described as “divisive machinations” from the Obaseki-led PDP faction and to continue supporting Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a secure and prosperous state.
Governor Okpebholo, the statement added, “shall not permit political opportunism to undermine the foundational principles of security and progress within Edo State.”
