- Uyiosa Ogbemudia Reporting from Benin City.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has inaugurated a new State Executive Committee following a successful congress held on Saturday. Party leaders described the event as a historic consolidation of leadership and a reaffirmation of the party’s determination to provide credible opposition and reposition Edo State for responsive governance.
The new executive includes Dr Tony Aziegbemi as Chairman, Hon Victor Enoghoma as Deputy Chairman, Hon Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary, Hon Monday Osaigbovo as Vice Chairman South, Evang Adekunle Oboh as Vice Chairman Central, Barr Richard Anetekhia as Vice Chairman North, Ogbeide Ifaluyu Isibor as Organising Secretary, Barr Daniel A Noah Osa Ogbegie as Publicity Secretary, John Adodo as Financial Secretary, Benedicta Attoh as Women Leader, Barr Paul Itua as Legal Adviser, Liberty Ogboh as Treasurer, Austin Edosowan as Youth Leader and Barr Obas Stephen as Auditor.
According to the party, the newly elected officers bring tested loyalty, experience, and a commitment to serving, and they are expected to drive the PDP agenda as the voice of the people and custodians of democratic values.
In his maiden statement, sent to Truth Live News International, the Publicity Secretary, Barr Daniel Osa Ogbegie, pledged that the PDP will hold the ruling All Progressives Congress and the government of Governor Monday Okpebholo accountable to the Edo people. He stated that the PDP will demand clarity on the Governor’s claim of a $250 million investment from Glasgow, challenge the abandonment of projects initiated under the Godwin Obaseki administration, and scrutinise financial practices in the state.
The new Publicity Secretary also addressed the APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Peter Uwadia, and the Commissioner for Information, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, warning that the opposition will not remain silent in the face of insults and reckless communication. He called for issue-based debate on matters affecting the economy, infrastructure, fiscal management, and social welfare rather than the use of abusive language.
He maintained that opposition leaders in Edo State would no longer be reduced to punching bags for government propaganda and that the PDP would consistently present facts and records to counter what it considered falsehoods.
Party members saw the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in the PDP’s role as a viable opposition in Edo State politics.