Gov Okpebholo accuses Obaseki, PDP, others out to discredit his election

By Jude Opara

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and editors of some leading newspapers, of an alleged grand plan to orchestrate a media trial to discredit his victory in the September 21 governorship election and his administration in the State.
The Governor, who made the accusations in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, was reacting to the claim by former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated the election in his favour.
According to him, “We are aware that former Governor Godwin Obaseki and some PDP leaders in Edo State, and their supporters had a meeting during the week, with online merchants and editors of leading newspapers; where it was decided that media trial should be the pattern of their current engagement to discredit the very credible Edo election of 21st September.
“The truth of the matter is that INEC conducted a very free and fair, violence-free election acknowledged by domestic observers in their various reports. The PDP leadership in Edo state in its review and report, also acknowledged that APC won the election.
“The latest drama of Osita Chidoka amounts to merely beating about the bush, trying to rake up mud against the election. The PDP should allow the tribunal to do its job in line with established procedures.
“The idea of deploying the services of editors and senior journalists with a marching order to discredit the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo by all means possible is outlandish and self-serving.
“Their identities are now known and will be made public in the coming days. We can see that they have recourse to the social media spaces, pages of national newspapers and pliable national televisions, to push their ugly narratives, that Governor Okpebholo did not win the 21st September governorship election in Edo State.
“By this, we make them all aware that Governor Monday Okpebholo is making good progress in office as the duly elected Governor with an irrevocable mandate for the next four years.”
Itua further stated: “As the duly-elected Governor of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo will not be blackmailed by media propaganda and or paid social media contractors. He has vowed to recover every dime or asset stolen by officials of the Obaseki administration.