The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a bold challenge to former Governor Godwin Obaseki, daring him to walk freely through the streets of Benin City.
A chieftain of the APC and member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has even promised a reward of ₦50 million if Obaseki can receive a rousing welcome from residents during such a walk.
Afegbua made this statement during a press briefing at the Government House in Benin City, following the inauguration of the committee by Governor Monday Okpebholo. The briefing was aimed at addressing recent criticisms of the APC-led administration by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Responding to the PDP’s accusations, Afegbua dismissed claims that the new APC government had dismantled the e-governance platform implemented by the previous administration.
“The assertion that we shut down the e-governance platform is laughable and false,” Afegbua said. “What they call e-governance was actually e-corruption. When we attempted to access information from the platform during the transition, we couldn’t retrieve anything of substance. That speaks volumes about the inefficiency of the previous administration.”
He also rejected allegations that APC thugs invaded the PDP secretariat, labeling the claims as baseless attempts to tarnish the new government’s image.
“We are too focused on rebuilding Edo State from the underdevelopment left by the previous administration to bother with such distractions. The PDP was soundly defeated in the last election, and we are committed to delivering on our promises to Edo people,” he added.
Afegbua defended the government’s decision to establish the Assets Verification Committee, describing it as a standard global practice to assess the state of affairs at the start of a new administration. He emphasized that the exercise was in line with the APC’s commitment to transparency and accountability under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
“Every responsible government needs a status report when taking over. This isn’t peculiar to Edo State—it’s a global practice. The previous administration lacked clarity in its governance processes, and we are now addressing those gaps to ensure Edo’s progress,” he explained.
Turning his attention to Obaseki, Afegbua alleged that the former governor had hired individuals to spread falsehoods about the APC government. He challenged Obaseki to return to Edo State for a street walk, claiming such an event would reveal the true sentiments of the people.
“If the opposition is serious, let them invite ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki for a street walk in Edo. We are ready to pay ₦50 million for this exercise and see how Edo people respond to him,” Afegbua declared.
Afegbua expressed confidence that the APC’s initiatives, even in its early days of governance, have already gained the support of the people. He assured residents that the party remains committed to delivering on its promises and steering the state towards progress.
