Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
In what seems like testing the microphone from the newly elected leadership of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party, through its Publicity Secretary (SPS), Barr Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, has dared the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, to explain the $250 million investment from Glasgow.
Speaking after his inauguration with other executive members in Benin, Osa-Ogbegie said that the party will no longer place its hands in akimbo to watch things done unchallenged but will always ensure that government is held accountable to the people.
“Our Commitment: We affirm our respect for constituted authority and for the institutions of governance.
“However, our allegiance remains first and foremost to the people of Edo State. Where government policies uplift the people, we shall lend our support; but where governance falters into oppression, waste, or deception, we shall stand firmly with the people.
“In this regard, we serve notice to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo: the PDP will hold you accountable to Edo people. We will demand clarity on the Governor’s claim of a $250 million investment from Glasgow that has become a source of embarrassment to Edo people at the moment, we will question the abandonment of projects initiated under the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and we will shine light on fiscal management practices that appear to ignore transparency and responsibility”, Osa-Ogbegie said.
Osa-Ogbegie also advised those saddled with the responsibility of managing the image of the ruling government to tread with caution.
“A Personal Word from the Publicity Secretary: To my senior brothers and colleagues, Mr. Peter Uwadia, Publicity Secretary of the APC, and Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, Honourable Commissioner for Information:
“I extend to you my personal regards, but I must be frank. The habit of hurling insults at opposition figures, which has characterised this government’s style of communication, will no longer pass unchallenged. I will not allow opposition figures in Edo State to be reduced to punching bags for reckless utterances.
“From today, every false claim, every half-truth, every attempt to malign opposition voices will be met with facts, with records, and with a resolute defence of the Edo people. Let us put an end to gutter politics and embrace responsible, issues-based debate. Kindly advise your principal accordingly.
“I invite you both to a higher ground: let us argue on the economy, on infrastructure, on fiscal management, on the welfare of our people. Let us leave insults behind and show Edo people that leaders can disagree with honour, yet still place the progress of the state above personal pride.
“The Governor’s penchant for abusing opposition leaders is beneath the dignity of his office and will no longer be tolerated. If government believes in its policies, let it defend them with substance, not with invectives.
“Gentlemen, the road ahead will be robust. I am prepared for it. I trust you will be too”, Osa-Ogbegie added.