Dons EzeAS OPPOSITION APC WE PAID WOMEN FOR DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S GOVT – AMAECHI
AS OPPOSITION APC, WE PAID WOMEN FOR DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S GOVT – AMAECHI Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed concerns that President Bola Tinubu is not prepared to relinquish power in 2027. Amaechi made this known in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development. He criticised the attitude of Nigerian voters, accusing them of being easily swayed by politicians’ rhetoric and financial inducements. He admitted that when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was newly formed, the chieftains of the party paid women to demonstrate against the then ruling party – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and then President Goodluck Jonathan government. According to Amaechi, many citizens do not ask critical questions about governance but rather focus on short-term benefits like transport fares provided by politicians. “We have sweet mouths; we repeat the same things every day. Tomorrow, they will call you in Lagos, and you will go. Somebody told me in Lagos, ‘Mr. Amaechi, these people that gathered here, we called them, gave them transport money, and they came. If tomorrow Tinubu does the same, they will also come,’” he said. Amaechi also recounted his experience during the early days of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing how party supporters were mobilised for demonstrations through financial incentives. “When APC was registered, I feared they might rig us out. So, we agreed to organise a demonstration at Eagle Square. We paid people to bring women and others. When I arrived early to assess the situation, I was shocked to see that the women we brought were wearing ‘Jonathan for President’ shirts.” The former minister said, “All we have here is typical Nigerians, typical Nigerians, and you are clapping. That’s why politicians get away with everything—get away with murder—because you have short memory.” He further warned that if citizens expect a change from the political elite, including the current administration, they would be disappointed. Amaechi said, “Nobody has power that will give it to you, not even me. He also claimed that Nigerian politicians, including Tinubu, are more interested in maintaining power through manipulation and violence than in fair governance. He warned that those calling for change and expecting Tinubu to step down voluntarily are wasting their time, stressing, “None of you here seated can defend the votes, you have complained, complained, and Nigerians have clapped for you.”
HOW OBIDIENTS PLAN OBI’S VICTORY IN 2027
HOW OBEDIENTS PLAN OBI’S VICTORY IN 2027 Chief Chris Biose, popularly known as Obidient Daddy, is the Chairman of Delta Obedient Elders’ Council who was a Teaching Service Commissioner in the defunct Bendel State. In this interview, he spoke on the Tax Reforms Bill, INEC, Tinubu’s economic policies and the Obedient Movement’s preparation for the 2027general elections. Excerpts: Many Nigerians are presently of the view that INEC lacks the capacity to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country. What do you think is the way forward to put our electoral system on the right track? Public perception of the consistently perfidious conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is quite valid. The real challenge is an entrenched hegemony that pays lip service to democracy but is determined to perpetuate itself in power and prevent legitimate change of government by democratic process. The first line of action in putting the electoral system on the right track is for Nigerian youths and other stakeholders to make it unmistakably clear to the authorities that they would no longer tolerate political plunderers that steal elections to destroy their lives and drive them to forced migration to foreign lands. They must take back their country. A critical mass of Nigerians from all parts of the country need to engage in mental liberation in the struggle to build a Nigerian nation-state that is free from the shackles of neo-colonial and feudal bondage and archaic ideas and structures. Second, the Electoral Act must be amended to make electronic transmission of election results at polling unit, ward, state and national levels compulsory. In this regard, pro-democracy activists and civil society organisations (CSOs) must join hands with patriotic political formations in the country to renew the battle for electoral reform that resulted in passing the Electoral Act, 2022. Third, a critical mass of the electorate, particularly the youth population, could establish a trained Pro-Democracy Brigade in each village or community, to stoutly and uncompromisingly resist and expose vote buyers whenever or wherever they come along to purchase the future and destiny of Nigerian youths. The legal framework is absolutely necessary but it is never sufficient to ensure proper conduct or transparency of INEC officials. The fourth line of action therefore is for uncompromising democracy enforcers or Youth Brigades to ensure that INEC officials comply with voting regulations in all polling booths and collation centres across the country. I personally strongly believe that the presidential system is unsuitable to consolidate democracy in a multi-national and under-developed country like Nigeria. It is inordinately expensive and excludes many competent persons from participating in elections. It encourages executive dictatorship and abuse of power. The parliamentary system is less expensive, more participatory and more suitable for grassroot leadership recruitment. The Tax Reforms Bill presently before the National Assembly has been generating a lot of controversies. What is your take on this move by President Bola Tinubu’s administration? Taxation is the foundation of public revenue in the modern state. Public comments on the Tax Bill are fine and there is room for public hearing on the bill at the National Assembly. The quarrel in some quarters over the principle of derivation in payment of Value Added Tax to states is uncalled for. Derivation is the most rational and equitable method of revenue allocation. It was worked out in a series of Commissions, the last being Raisman Commission Report, 1959, which was enshrined in Section 140 of the Constitution of the Federation, 1960 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1963. It provided for 50% to the region of derivation, 30% to the distributable pool account and 20% to the Federal Government. The disagreement between the entrenched Fulani camp and the rising Yoruba faction of…
SACKED PDP NATIONAL SECRETARY, ANYANWU, RISKS JAIL AS COURT ISSUES LAST WARNING
SACKED PDP NATIONAL SECRETARY, ANYANWU RISKS JAIL AS COURT ISSUES LAST WARNING An Enugu High Court has restrained the sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from parading himself as the party’s scribe, failure of which he risks being committed to prison. The order, contained in a judgment delivered by the presiding judge, C.O. Ajah, stated: “Unless you (Anyanwu) obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.” The judgment was sequel to a case filed by Emmanuel Aniagu (plaintiff), with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagun, Anyanwu, and the PDP National Vice Chairman, Southeast, Ali Odefa, as defendants. The court ordered: “The 3rd defendant (Anyanwu) was elected National Secretary of the 1st defendant (PDP) in 2021 and has remained so to date. As National Secretary, he is, by the provisions of the 1st defendant’s constitution, as well as the Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections made by the National Executive Committee of the 1st defendant, empowered by the provisions of Sections 31(20)(j) and 50(1) of the 1st defendant’s 2017 constitution to: – Draw up the list of members of the Gubernatorial Screening Committee for each of the six geopolitical zones of the 1st defendant when a decision on it is taken by the National Executive Committee. – Write and sign, or cause to be written and signed, letters appointing individual members to the Gubernatorial Screening Committee for the six geopolitical zones of the party. – Draw up the list of members of the Gubernatorial Screening Appeal Panel to handle appeals from gubernatorial aspirants of the party in all states of the federation, when the decision on the list is taken by the National Executive Committee. – Write and sign, or cause to be written and signed, letters appointing individuals as members of the Gubernatorial Screening Appeal Panel. – Draw up the list of members of the State Gubernatorial Electoral Committee for each of the 36 states of the federation when the National Executive Committee takes a decision on the said list. – Write and sign, or cause to be written and signed, letters appointing individuals as members of the State Gubernatorial Electoral Committee. – Write and sign, or cause to be written and signed, letters appointing individuals as members of the Gubernatorial Electoral Appeal Panel when the National Executive Committee takes a decision on the membership. “That the 3rd defendant has significant input in taking and implementing decisions on who will be adjudge eligible to contest the gubernatorial primaries and who shall be enthroned as the gubernatorial standard-bearer of the 1st defendant in all 36 states of the federation. “That the 3rd defendant was elected in April 2023 as the gubernatorial candidate of the 1st defendant for the Imo State governorship election, scheduled for November 2023, while still serving as the National Secretary of the 1st defendant. “That by occupying both positions, the 3rd defendant made himself a judge in his own cause. “That the 3rd defendant is hereby restrained from further parading himself as the National Secretary of the 1st defendant, having relinquished the said position by his conduct. “That the 2nd defendant is hereby ordered to recognize, in all situations and for all purposes, Hon. S.K.E. Udeh Okoye (the person recommended by the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee of the 1st defendant) as the National Secretary of the 1st defendant, to enable him to serve out the remaining tenure for which the 3rd defendant was elected as National Secretary in 2021.”
PDP CONFIRMS UDE-OKOYE AS AUTHENTIC NATIONAL SECRETARY
PDP CONFIRMS UDE-OKOYE AS AUTHENTIC NATIONAL SECRETARY The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s authentic National Secretary in compliance with a Court of Appeal order. The position of the party was made public on Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, while fielding questions from newsmen at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He submitted that the PDP is in receipt of a Court of Appeal ruling affirming Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary and as a law-abiding party, they intend to carry out the dictates of the court fully. “I’m sure you know the background to all the cases where we have two cases, two orders and then there was the court of appeal. And on 24th of December, 2024, after consultation with the legal adviser, the office of the legal adviser, it was confirmed that we have received the judgement of the two appeals affirming Rt.Hon S.K.E Ude-Okoye as the national secretary of the party. “We are a rule-of-law compliant party, we believe in the finality of the judicial process, we’ve always respected judicial pronouncements, and we will always abide by court judgements. “We will, as a party, consistent with our position in the past as a rule of law complaint, we will obey the order of court, we will follow the processes, and ensure full compliance to the pronouncement of the court of appeal because that is the position as at today. “So that is what it is, and I hope that clarifies, if there is any ambiguity at all. “As a party, we are rule-of-law compliant, we have received the judgement of the court of appeal that has affirmed Rt. Hon S.K.E Ude-Okoye as the national secretary of PDP and we as a party are bound by that judgement because it is the highest judgement today. And we will take appropriate action as required of a responsible political party to ensure that that position of the law is complied with,” Ologbondiyan said. The declaration effectively lays to rest the claims by Senator Samuel Anyanwu to the National Secretary seat of the PDP. Recall Naija News earlier reported that the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP took a dramatic turn when Ude-Okoye proclaimed himself the party’s National Secretary, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment. The development follows the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which affirmed the nomination of former PDP National Youth Leader, Ude-Okoye, as a replacement for Anyanwu, as national secretary, by the South East chapter of the PDP. The South East PDP had, at a meeting in Enugu in 2023, nominated the former national youth leader as a replacement for Anyanwu following the latter’s nomination as the party’s candidate in the 2023 Imo State governorship election. According to leaders of the PDP in the zone, Anyanwu ceased to be national secretary the moment he emerged as the party’s standard bearer for the last Imo gubernatorial contest. The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, on December 20, 2024, upheld the judgment of an Enugu High Court that affirmed Udo-Okoye as Anyanwu’s replacement.
AUTONOMY: NO PLAN TO HIJACK LGS FROM GOVERNORS – TINUBU
NO PLAN TO HIJACK LGS FROM YOU, TINUBU TELLS GOVS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied speculations making the rounds that he is at war with state governors over his push for local government autonomy across the country. In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgement affirming financial autonomy for the 774 local government areas in the country. Even though many of the governors rushed to conduct local government elections in their states, their body language has shown that many are not comfortable with the move initiated by the federal government. But addressing state governors who paid him New Year homage led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Tinubu emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth. “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” he said. President Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity and currency stability. Expressing his commitment to local government development and autonomy, the president stressed its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors. “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level. “There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.” Tinubu urged governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability. “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said. He also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states. “There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of,” he said. Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the president expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the administration. “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he said. The president also announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, said, “The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest. “So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. So, in terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa,” he said. The governor urged the president to visit various…
FUBARA PREVENTED WIKE FROM MAKING RIVERS HIS PRIVATE ESTATE – ODILI
FUBARA PREVENTED WIKE FROM MAKING RIVERS HIS PRIVATE ESTATE – ODILI The former governor of Rivers State and one-time presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Peter Odili, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara stopped the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, from turning the state to a private estate. Odili disclosed that Governor Fubara summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers state through ferocious, but unnecessary political war. Odili spoke at a Christmas ballad organized by him in honour of Governor Fubara and his family. He stated that as a family, he, his wife and children, decided to host the Rivers State Governor and his family to a night of varieties of song and other activities in appreciation of “the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated”. Dr Odili explained that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th of October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State. He said that with assuring fortitude, “Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007,” he said. Fubara speaks Responding, Governor Fubara said that God has proved Himself worthy as the Ultimate Liberator of the State and its people because He ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it. Governor Fubara stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership. He added that with the strength of support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem, but as a necessary enabler in governance. “And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people. “So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from everyone of you that is here. You gave me the encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you. “But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter still remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.” Governor Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the State, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, they should be assured that it will be better than what had been experienced. He assured of the determination of his administration to make every succeeding year in the State better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during the Christmas celebrations is indicative of a brighter future ahead. Governor Fubara vowed to continue to do what is right. He said it is also delighting to see true leaders of the State and well-meaning Rivers people standing on the right side of history despite the pressures to surrender to tyranny and oppression. “I want to thank everyone, and I assure you that we will continue to run a government that will uplift the image of the State. We will not be tyrants. “We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job, and that one day, our time will be up, and we’ll leave for another person to take over. “And what is important is to allow the machine to keep running effectively, so that when the other person comes, he continues with that steam for progress in the State. “So, I thank…
PDP EXPELS SUSPENDED NATIONAL VICE CHAIRMAN, ALI ODEFA
PDP EXPELS SUSPENDED NATIONAL VICE CHAIRMAN, ALI ODEFA The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has announced the expulsion of the suspended National Vice Chairman of the party for the Southeast, Ali Odefa. Odefa was suspended from the party on 11th September 2024 by the ward executives due to alleged anti-party activities. The suspension was further upheld by the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki on 29th November 2024. At a press conference on Wednesday evening, the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Oguduokwor, Onyeka Ovuta, alongside other ward executives, confirmed that Odefa’s expulsion followed the recommendations of the party’s disciplinary committee, which found the allegations of anti-party activities to be valid. Ovuta explained that the decision was in line with the party’s constitution and followed the findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee. He stated that, as a result of the suspension, Odefa was no longer a member of the PDP. The statement from the party reads, in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, hereby announces the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South East Zone, from the party with immediate effect. The expulsion follows the report, findings, and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee, which is in accordance with the provisions of the party constitution. “Recall that Chief Ali Odefa was suspended from the party by the ward leadership on 11th September 2024. “Following the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, in suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024, which upheld the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the Disciplinary Committee of the PDP Oguduokwor Ward, after reviewing the matter, unanimously recommended that Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended PDP National Vice Chairman for the South East Zone, be expelled from the party. “The Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward, on 11th December 2024, after reviewing the report, findings, and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, unanimously approved the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa from the party, in compliance with sections 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP constitution. “Therefore, Chief Ali Odefa ceases to be a member of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
2027 GOVERNORSHIP RACE HOTS UP IN RIVERS STATE: WILL APC PICK TONY OKOCHA?
2027 GOVERNORSHIP RACE HOTS UP IN RIVERS STATE: WILL APC Pick TONY OKOCHA AS CANDIDATE? With the visit of 16 members of the APC National Working Committee NWC led by National Chairman Alhaji Dr.Umar Ganduje that inaugurated new Executive for All Progressives Congress Rivers State Chapter on Friday 13th of December, 2024 all is now set to reposition the party to gather her tatters come 2027 general elections. Since Chief Tony Okocha took over as the substantive Chairman of the party in Rivers, he has never stopped to announce his intentions which is to use the ballot boxes to oust the incumbent administration of Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Rivers State led by Sir Siminalayi Fubara come 2027. Just like on November 2023 when he took over as Chairman of 7-man Caretaker Committee of Rivers State, he quickly brought back some members of the party who left due to one reason or the other. Senator Magnus Ngei Abe who defected to Social Democratic Party SDP later returned to APC, Elders of the party like Elder Chidi Wihioka, former Member Federal House of Representatives also returned to APC in Rivers State. Engr Sampson Ngirigabara is one man that is reserved but has grassroot political wisdom especially in his Rivers South East Senatorial District where he hails from. How did Chief Tony Okocha emerge as the substantive state Chairman of APC despite having a job already as Rivers State Representatives at the 7th Management of Niger Delta Development Commission- NDDC? It was obvious that he sustained unequivocally in challenging Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s administration as he restored confidence in APC in the state. He used his position in NDDC like a sitting Governor where he took decisions in allocating contracts to communities in Rivers State. This attracted more people to APC with Chief Tony Okocha holding sway as state Chairman of APC. To the leadership of APC at the national headquarters Abuja no other choice of a political fighter in Rivers State that can wrestle political power from Sir Siminalayi Fubara in 2027 except Chief Tony Okocha. To them, whatever the logic in zoning or the political permutations in 2027, what Alhaji Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and his National Executives want is victory of capturing state power in Rivers State. And Chief Tony Okocha is APC’s strongest a governorship candidate come 2027 governorship election In 2015 Nyesom Wike played same political script, where he took over from a fellow Ikwerre ethnic group Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi without minding zoning arrangement in the state. In 2019 he used insiders’ politiical bedfellows to weaken oppisition in APC until he succeeded in making sure APC in Rivers State was consumed in internal crises using Supreme Court judgement to remove APC from the ballot box in 2019. Therefore, Chief Tony Okocha is now the probable governorship aspirant waiting for the lifting of the political Time Table in 2026 begining with Political Party Primary elections for elective positions be it governorship and others. By then he must have steered the party to an enviable state of stability. -Emeka Amaefula
EX-GOV IBORI’S DAUGHTER, A HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, DUMPS PDP
EX-GOV IBORI’S DAUGHTER, A HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, DUMPS PDP The daughter of a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, who is also member, representing Ethiope federal constituency, in the House of Representatives, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ibori-Suenu disclosed this in her letter to the PDP Local Government Chairman, Ethiope West Local Government Area, dated December 5, 2024. In the letter titled: “Notice of Resignation of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu as member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the lawmaker claimed that her resignation was occasioned by the lingering crisis and exclusion by the State chapter of the party in its activities. The letter partly read: “Please be informed that by this notice I formally resign as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect. “I surrender my attached Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Membership Card, with membership number 0777144 in furtherance of my complete dissociation and disengagement from the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP]. “My resignation was foisted on me by my complete exclusion by the State chapter of the party and by the lingering national leadership crisis which has riven the party into implacable camps,” she noted.
OBASEKI HAS ESCAPED, WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN – OKPEBHOLO, EDO GOVERNOR-ELECT
OBASEKI HAS ESCAPED, WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN – OKPEBHOLO, GOV-ELECT Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the outgoing governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, has fled Nigeria through the land borders.Okpebholo is expected to be sworn into office on Tuesday, meaning that Obaseki will lose his immunity.Obaseki last week said he heard that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was planning to arrest him after the expiration of his tenure as governor.In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday and signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo said Edo people are worried by Obaseki’s reckless statements.The governor-elect in the statement raised the alarm regarding the whereabouts of Obaseki, saying he reportedly fled Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Friday, using a disguised bus.The statement accused Obaseki of chasing out everyone from the Government House on Friday before escaping to a yet-to-be known location more than 72 hours before his official departure from office.The statement further accused Obaseki of making false claims to shift attention away from his alleged plan to leave the country through the land borders.“As of Friday, 8th of November, the whereabouts of Obaseki are unknown. He has chased everyone out of Edo State Government House. He has abandoned governance in the State, and he is on the run.“He has escaped through the road out of Benin. He did not pass through the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport to escape? Instead, he hired a bus and disguised while escaping from Edo State.“Obaseki is trying to push out these narratives in order to distract the public. His antics will not work. We know his plans, and we will continue to expose his shenanigans to Edo people,” the statement read.Obaseki, on Saturday, claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to his inauguration slated for next Tuesday.Okpebholo also accused Obaseki of misappropriating public funds as the state governor.He said, “According to the unpopular outgoing governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo stole the mandate freely given to him by Edo people. In his usual myopic mind, he wants to change the narratives and set a dangerous precedence.”The governor-elect said he won the elections convincingly and added that the tribunal will soon validate his claims. He said Obaseki would not get away with the allegations.“Obaseki will not get away with this misrepresentation. Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect of Edo State, won the 21st September governorship election in Edo State.“Obaseki is still licking his wound of defeat and is yet to accept the reality. Edo people, through the ballot, rejected the planned continuation of Obaseki’s satanic government through his glorified stooge, Asue Ighodalo,” he said.Okpebholo said Obaseki is trying to influence the outcome of the ongoing case at the tribunal by making false claims. He said the attempt will fail like a pack of cards.He said: “The Peoples Democratic Party is already challenging the outcome of the election in court. We are therefore worried that Obaseki is in a hurry to pre-empt the outcome of the tribunal by repeatedly making false claims.“Unfortunately for Obaseki, his baseless claims will not stand. The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Ighodalo, have no case against Senator Okpebholo. The tribunal will soon confirm that.”He warned Obaseki to desist from making false claims and reminded him of severe consequences that may follow if he does not stop.Senator Okpebholo reminded Obaseki that he will soon lose his immunity and will therefore be forced to face the full wrath of the law if he does not retrace his steps.“Although Senator Okpebholo is a man of peace, we will not sit back and allow him to keep misrepresenting the true outcome of what happened on the 21st of September.“Obaseki will…