Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Tuesday responded to the claim by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the immediate past governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki had fled the country.
The PDP also accused the Senator Monday Okpebholo administration of suffering from what it called ‘Obaseki Derangement Syndrome’, by claiming that in his eight years as governor, Obaseki did nothing.
Former spokesman of the party and immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said Obaseki would appear before any panel or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if invited.
Explaining why the former governor had stayed away from the state since he exited office, Nehikhare posited that his presence would make the incumbent governor “very uncomfortable”, adding that Obaseki was not interested in running for any senatorial elections having ruled the state for eight years “unlike another governor who contested for senate”.
Describing as laughable the accusation by the incumbent administration that Obaseki did nothing, Nehikhare noted that the former governor constructed 1300 kilometres of road across the state and also built institutions.
According to him, “Obaseki is not on the run from anywhere. He is on a fellowship in a university in the United Kingdom. In any case, his presence in Edo will make the present Governor very uncomfortable. Obaseki is not going to contest any election in Edo State. He has spent his eight years unlike the other Governor who contested for the Senate. Obaseki has served the 18 local governments for eight years.
“He is a free man. Whosoever wants him, either the EFCC or DSS, should write to him. Governor Obaseki has served his term, Okpebholo should do his own.
“Obaseki is staying away because we want this government to have its space. The problem they have with Obaseki is what we called Obaseki Derangement Syndrome. This is why it is convenient for them to say Obaseki did not do anything.
“The Okpebholo government is acting as if it is in the opposition while the PDP is in government. PDP would have been happy to have a weak government but because that will demean the people of Edo State. The APC keeps going back to the past. Those facilities Obaseki built are still there.”
Publicity Secretary of the party, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, said the fly-over being constructed by Okpebholo would not have any economic impact on the people.
Osa-Ogbegie said the state was in a dangerous season of governance by propaganda and incompetence under the APC.
“The Okpebholo-led administration lacks direction. The government has stalled governance, and erased progress made by the Obaseki-led administration in land administration and reforms, civil service reforms, urban renewal projects and the drive to open Edo State to more private investors to spur economic growth and progress,” he said.