As the the campaign for the Edo State governorship election slated for September 21, 2024, hots up, the immediate past governor of the state, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole, on Sunday came under the heavy attack of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Campaign Council, over the comments the All Progressives Congress (APC), chieftain made at the party’s rally, where he (Oshimhole) alleged that the PDP candidate in the election, Asue Ighodalo, was planning to rig the election.
Oshiomhole, who is the current senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, had while speaking on Saturday at the ward-to-ward campaign of the APC in Benin, urged members and supporters of the party to be vigilante to threats against the peaceful conduct of the election.
This was just as he took a swipe at some of the policies of Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, like the partial demolition of the Central Hospital to make space for Museum for West African Art, the privatisation of the Edo Specialist Hospital and other policies and project, which he said would be looked into if the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was elected
Reacting to the comments by Oshimhole, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the ASue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, Olu Martin, on Sunday said Oshiomhole should stop making baseless allegation as he was not a better governor than Governor Obaseki, reiterating that Ighodalo remained the best candidate to win the election.
Martins who added id that the APC and its leader, Oshiomhole, had a history of lying and corruption, said, “I recall the chaotic and brutal administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from 2008 to 2016, with high violence and corruption.
“Betrayal of campaign organisers and the misuse of public funds was wide spread under him and he has a penchant for presenting mediocre candidates.
“His betrayal and political deception is captured in a book by the current Director of Media and Publicity, APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-ojo, titled “Breach of Trust” who was a Commissioner under Oshiomhole.
“The book is a comprehensive record of political betrayal and deception, with quotes from the commissioner criticizing Oshimhole’s leadership.
“As against Shimhole’sole’s so-called legacy, Governor Obaseki’s achievements are well documented. He established factories, refineries, and an independent power plant, which will outlive his tenure.
“Obaseki places importance on education and technology with significant improvements in literacy and numeracy skills while his economic and social benefits of include the development of retail stores and the implementation of a 30-year development plan for the state.
“The press should scrutinize and question the ability of the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is known for his evasive nature.
“The candidates should be made to tell us what they have for Edo people in a debate so that candidate can be held responsible based on their promises.” Martins insisted.
