Edo 2020: Okpella Leaders Disown Kassim Afegbua Over Attacks On Obaseki

Prominent Okpella leaders on Monday acknowledged the vision, maturity and leadership style of Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

They also praised Governor Obaseki for instituting accountability, paving way for economic development and channeling his energies towards executing projects that ameliorate the suffering of the people.

The leaders spoke gloriously of the remarkable achievements of Obaseki and Phillip Shaibu.

At a meeting focused on mapping out strategies for the governorship election in Okpella, the leaders described the Obaseki-led government as the most purposeful and resolute in the history of Edo State.

They listed forthrightness, firmness, integrity, fairness, multi-faceted experiences, intelligence and ideas as factors contributing to Obaseki and Phillip Shaibu’s exceptional leadership.

The leaders launched a strongly-worded attack against former commissioner for Information in Edo State, Mr Kassim Afegbua, describing his criticism of Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as harsh and misleading.

‘’Kassim Afegbua is a puppet who is twitching to the pull of the strings of certain individuals in the country. Okpella is not a shelter for unlawful or greedy politicians’’

In a communiqué, the leaders heaped scorn on Afegbua for dabbling in the affairs of the PDP and mocking him as the mouth-piece of those plotting to create crisis in Edo State.

The communiqué signed by the convener of the meeting, Engineer Akemokue Lukman and other elders condemned Afegbua and those behind him for deviating from party line and encouraging anarchy in the PDP.

‘’It is totally irresponsible for Afegbua and his sponsors to promote chaos in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Afegbua and his sponsors want to turn back the clock on the progress so far made in Edo State’’

‘’ Afegbua did enrich himself during his tenure as commissioner.   A man of questionable character can’t come out in the open to cry on behalf of Okpella people.

Afegbua boasts of his closeness to Adams Oshiomhole. As Media Adviser and Commissioner for Communication, what effort did he make about the construction of roads in Okpella?

The leaders commended Obaseki for rehabilitating Afokpella Road which was neglected by Kassim Afegbua and the Oshiomhole government.

‘’Kassim Afegbua should acknowledge the excellent performance of Obaseki. Most of the roads in the State were influenced by commissioners and Special Advisers in Oshiomhole’s government. Mike Itemuagbor ensured that the North Ibie roads were constructed. Comrade Philip Shaibu ensured that all the roads in his Uzairue/South Obie constituency were constructed. Hajia Maryam, the commissioner from Auchi ensured that most Auchi roads were budgeted for and constructed. Clement Agba, a commissioner from Uzanu, ensured that all roads in Uzanu community were constructed. The talk of performance by Afegbua is all propaganda. He has nothing to show for his years in government in his community’’.

Specifically, the leaders praised the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and other party chieftains for doing what is best for Edo State

‘’We come from different background with divergent political ideologies. We also hold a variety of views. However, let us put the people ahead. Let us support Godwin Obaseki and Phillip Shaibu in creating a state which everyone experiences a better life. Let us work in cooperation for the governorship election’’

They promised to teach the All Progressives Congress (APC) a lesson in democracy on Saturday, September 19, 2020.

‘’The future of Edo State is only safe in the hands of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki and Phillip Shaibu’’

The leaders also had advice for Nigerians, particularly Edo people.

‘’Quit the APC and other mushroom parties. PDP is getting stronger every day in Edo State. It has a big advantage of winning the September 19 governorship election.’’