The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a bold challenge to the former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, offering him N50 million if he can walk through the streets of Benin City and receive a warm reception from the locals.
Kassim Afegbua, an APC leader and member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, made this statement during a press conference following the committee’s inauguration by Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.
“If the opposition is genuinely serious, we invite ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to come to Edo for a public walk. We are prepared to reward him with N50 million for this endeavor, and we shall see who the people of Edo truly support,” he declared.
Afegbua’s remarks came as a response to recent criticisms directed at the new administration by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He explained, “The purpose of this press briefing, as the chairman has mentioned, is to address some of the rumors circulating out there.
“Firstly, the opposition claims that the APC government, which has only been in office for 14 days, has dismantled the e-governance platform. This is both amusing and incorrect. What they refer to as e-governance is, in fact, e-corruption.
“The truth is, we have attempted to access some of the information previously presented by the former government, but we were unable to do so.
“Secondly, the opposition alleges that our supporters invaded their secretariat. This seems like an attempt to defame us. We are far too focused and serious about rebuilding Edo State from the ruins left by the previous administration.
“Why would we concern ourselves with the secretariat of an opposition party that was soundly defeated in the last election, which we won convincingly in their stronghold?
“The current government’s decisions and policy directions are such that we will not be sidetracked by baseless claims aimed at distracting us.
“Today, they released another statement expressing discontent over our initiation of an asset verification exercise, claiming it indicates a lack of direction. However, it is universally accepted that having a status report of a government at the start of its term is essential, not just in Edo State or Nigeria but globally.
“Given that the previous government lacked adequate data to inform its governance, we, as the APC, must address these gaps in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government,” Afegbua stated.
He concluded by assuring the people of Edo that in the brief time since the new government took office, the projects and steps initiated have already won the hearts of the citizens.
“If the opposition is genuinely serious, we invite ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to come to Edo for a public walk. We are prepared to reward him with N50 million for this endeavor, and we shall see who the people of Edo truly support.”
