Unfounded Accusations Denied by Governor Okpebholo to PDP: Security Claims Baseless
According to our sources, the Edo State government has shot down allegations linking Governor Monday Okpebholo to the insecurity issues plaguing the state,Palarindo reports. These accusations were leveled by the Godwin Obaseki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a recent press conference.
In a statement, Governor Okpebholo's Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, labeled the PDP's claims as baseless. The administration contends that attempts to politicize Okpebholo's commitment to combating crime and cultism in Edo State will be unproductive.
Itua stated,
The Edo State government asserted that the accusation suggests PDP elements are actively engaged in destabilizing the state. It further declared that anyone involved in criminal activities would face the full force of the law, regardless of political affiliations.
The statement also addressed the PDP's criticism of the recent minimum wage increment announced by the governor as an affront to the hardworking people of Edo State. It considered this criticism as a clear disconnect from the everyday struggles of the citizens.
In support of Governor Okpebholo's efforts to create a secure and prosperous environment for all, the government urged law-abiding citizens to shun the divisive tactics of the discredited factional PDP. It reiterated that Okpebholo would not allow political opportunism to undermine the foundation of security and progress within Edo State.
Additional Insights
Understanding Governor Okpebholo's strategies to combat insecurity in Edo State reveals the following immediate executive actions:
- Issued a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies to stem cult clashes upon taking office.
- Pursued legislative reforms, establishing severe penalties for cult-related crimes, including 21-year prison terms for cult sponsors, the death penalty for killings and kidnapping, and the demolition of criminal hideouts with conversion to public assets.
Although the available information does not provide conclusive evidence of PDP involvement in Edo State's insecurity challenges, the administration's aggressive tactics could theoretically be used for political gain. It is essential to protect due process during property seizures, monitor partisan rhetoric in crime attribution, and follow judicial outcomes from the new laws' implementation to further assess the situation.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have been accused by the administration of aiming to politicize the Governor Monday Okpebholo's efforts to combat crime and cultism in the state.
- The Edo State government has dismissed allegations leveled by the PDP, asserting that their accusations of the government using its security apparatus as an instrument of political persecution are baseless.
- The PDP's criticism of Governor Okpebholo's robust policy regarding minimum wage increments has been labeled as a clear disconnect from the everyday struggles of the citizens.
- Anyone involved in criminal activities within Edo State, regardless of political affiliations, will face the full force of the law according to the Edo State government.
- In an attempt to create a secure and prosperous environment for all, the Edo State government urges law-abiding citizens to reject the divisive tactics of the discredited factional PDP, emphasizing that Governor Okpebholo will not allow political opportunism to disrupt the foundation of security and progress within the state.
