From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that it (the APC), was politicising the suit instituted against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, by some Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom.
Besides, the PDP through the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, had while addressing journalists on Monday in Benin City, claimed that the APC in its WhatsApp platform, was engaging in propaganda with the suit against the Oba because it lacked strategy to market its bad governorship candidate.
Reacting to the PDP allegations, the APC in a statement, accused the PDP and its candidate, Asue, of attempting to manipulate public opinion through a fabricated WhatsApp group in the guise of All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Okpebholo, adding that “this deceptive tactic, very indicative of desperation, is unlikely to salvage the drowning party from the impending defeat they face.
“For starters, it is an outdated trick. Employed by the PDP and Asue Ighodalo, it reflects a lack of innovative strategies, a thorough misunderstanding of the journey ahead and a disconnect from the evolving awareness of the Edo electorate.
“They forget that today transparency and genuine engagement have more value and as such moribund deceptive tactics only serve to undermine the credibility of those employing them. But it is okay because the dog that will get lost will never hear the master’s whistle.
“Moreover, the failure of PDP and Asue to articulate a clear vision for the future of our State further underscores their floundering campaign. While they profess to offer change, their rhetoric lacks substance, with Asue’s regrettable pledge to merely continue the fraudulent policies of his godfather, falling short of inspiring confidence in their style.
“Edo state residents are questioning what new ideas Asue is planning to put on the table, especially considering his previous roles as Chairman of Obaseki’s Alaghodaro scheme and chief economic adviser for eight years. He also has nothing to bring in from his brief tenure as Chairman of NB PLC, except a staggering loss of N146 billion, the highest in the company’s 77-year history. Additionally, under his chairmanship, Sterling Bank, the official internal revenue agency of the outgoing PDP government, closed several branches in Edo state, for reasons known only to him.
“In stark contrast, what we have in the APC, with Senator Monday Okpebholo, as flagbearer, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Edo’s resurgence. Central to our manifesto, titled “Take Back Edo State, Reposition for Prosperity,” is a commitment to transparent, all-encompassing development—a stark departure from the opacity and stagnation characterizing the current administration, which Asue wants to continue.
“Key pillars of the APC’s agenda include initiatives to bolster agricultural productivity by liberating lands for farmers, thereby fostering food sufficiency and economic resilience.
“Additionally, Senator Okpebholo has vowed to stem the tide of capital flight, ensuring that Edo state resources are reinvested within to fuel sustainable growth and prosperity.
“One glaring issue that the APC candidate aims to address is the massive mismanagement of funds allocated for critical infrastructure projects, such as erosion and flood control. The staggering disparity between expenditures and tangible outcomes by the outgoing regime highlights the urgent need for accountable governance—a principle at the heart of the APC’s manifesto”, the statement signed by the party’s Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Osehobo Victor Ofure, said.
“Furthermore, the APC candidate is pledging to halt the reckless demolition of private and public property—a destructive practice emblematic of the administration’s disregard for due process and property rights.
“Asue dreams of succeeding in this anomaly? By championing the rule of law and safeguarding citizens’ investments, Senator Monday Okpebholo aims to foster an environment conducive to economic development and social stability.
“Crucially, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s agenda extends beyond policy prescriptions to encompass institutional reforms aimed at depoliticizing traditional institutions. By insulating these entities from undue political influence, including the withholding of statutory allocations, he will be seeking to preserve their integrity and autonomy—a vital step towards fostering community cohesion, which Edo is known for and preserving our historical and cultural heritage.
“In essence, the divergent paths charted by the PDP and Asue, and the APC Senator Monday Okpebholo, as we approach the precipice is offering Edo voters a clear choice between stagnation and progress, deception and transparency, rhetoric and substance,” the statement added.