- Okpebholo said Obaseki has acted in an uncharitable and unceremonious manner during the period of transition of power to him.
Edo Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, says the outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki, actions and behaviour in recent days do not befit the lofty and plum office he occupies.
Okpebholo said Obaseki has acted in an uncharitable and unceremonious manner during the period of transition of power to him.
The incoming governor said this in reaction to Obaseki’s earlier statement on Friday that he has been shut out of the swearing-in ceremony of Okpebholo, scheduled for Tuesday.
In a statement on Sunday, Okpebholo disclosed that Obaseki us doing everything possible to thwart a peaceful transition of power ahead of his swearing-in on Tuesday.
Recall that Obaseki had alleged that the governor-elect and his party, the All Progressives Congress, were planning his inauguration without consulting or involving the state government in the preparations.
The governor condemned the planned action, which he said was lawless.
But in the statement signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Okpebholo slammed Obaseki, describing his utterances as reckless.
Okpebholo said Obaseki has not called to congratulate his successor long after the election has ended.
The statement read: “Again, Obaseki also claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration slated for next Tuesday. This is laughable, absurd, and questionable. Since Okpebholo was declared the winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
“As a sitting governor, Obaseki should tell Edo people and Nigerians if he has ever invited the governor-elect to Government House for a meeting or a tour as a responsible man. Has Obaseki called Senator Okpebholo to congratulate him since he won the election?
“We urge Edo people to disregard Obaseki’s reckless statements and support the incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo to remedy the many wrongs of this government.”
Continuing, Okpebholo stated that Obaseki had not been seen in the Government House 72 hours before his official departure from office.