The APC transition committee has denied claims made by outgoing Governor Obaseki regarding funds borrowed for the inauguration of the new governor. The committee also accused Obaseki of attempting to sabotage the smooth transfer of power.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee in Edo State has refuted claims by outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki that the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has borrowed between N2 billion and N5 billion for the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
In a statement on Sunday, the committee clarified that it had not borrowed any money for the event, emphasizing that the governor-elect had chosen to fund the inauguration using his own resources, with a focus on maintaining a modest and efficient ceremony.
Also read: Obaseki Vows To Tackle Food Scarcity In Edo
The controversy arose after Obaseki accused the APC of planning to spend excessively on the inauguration, claiming that the money would come from the state’s resources, set aside for ongoing projects and obligations.
During the inauguration of the 10-man caretaker committee of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obaseki lamented his exclusion from the event, questioning the APC’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
In response, Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, described Obaseki’s comments as “generously laughable” and self-indicting.
He pointed out that in other regions, outgoing leaders typically facilitate the inauguration of their successors, but Obaseki’s actions had been aimed at frustrating the transition process.
Afegbua accused the outgoing governor of planting “landmines” to obstruct the smooth transfer of power, citing their committee’s frustrations with the state government’s lack of cooperation in planning the event.
According to Afegbua, the transition committee had approached the Secretary to the State Government for guidance but was met with resistance.
When the committee requested a budget for the inauguration, they chose not to present one, fearing accusations of overspending. Subsequently, the governor-elect decided to personally fund the event, scaling down the celebrations to make it more moderate.
The APC stressed that the new administration was not in the business of lavish displays, especially when many citizens were facing economic hardships under Obaseki’s leadership.
Afegbua also raised concerns about the state of government assets, alleging that many vehicles from the Edo State Government House had been removed by outgoing officials, leaving only one functional vehicle for the incoming administration.
He criticized the outgoing government for prioritizing personal interests over the state’s welfare, questioning how any administration could be serious about facilitating a smooth transition under such circumstances.
The APC transition committee’s statement highlighted its commitment to a peaceful and efficient transfer of power, rejecting any insinuations of financial mismanagement.
Despite the tensions, the committee remains focused on ensuring that the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is executed with integrity and in line with the expectations of Edo State’s citizens.
