The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has warned the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop the fake news on its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following his recent outing in Maryland, United States of America.
Recall that Okpebholo, yesterday, flew into Maryland for a town hall event at the Best Western Hotel, Lanham where he met and interacted with the Edo diaspora community on his plans to address key issues in Edo State, such as insecurity, healthcare, infrastructure development, and the creation of a diaspora ministry.
An online medium (not IgbereTV) had reported that, at the meeting, the APC candidate expressed his frustration that the ongoing crisis within the Benin Traditional Council, involving the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II and Governor Godwin Obaseki was a distraction from governance and had brought the palace into disrepute.
Okpebholo was also reported to have blamed both parties for the lingering crisis, calling for unity and reconciliation. He was said to have urged the Benin Monarch and Governor Obaseki to “sheath their swords and put Edo State above their personal interests and egos.”
Reacting in a statement titled, “Edo APC to PDP: Stop that Fake News” issued by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Director of Media, APC/Okpebholo Campaign Council, the APC dismissed the report as fake. The council accused pro-Obaseki propagandists of deliberately twisting Okpebholo’s words to discredit him.
According to the council, Okpebholo never referred to the Oba of Benin in condescending language nor mentioned the word “distraction” during the Town Hall meeting. Instead, he was said to have emphasized the importance of respecting traditional institutions and consulting with traditional rulers, including the Oba of Benin.
The council condemned the attempt to misrepresent Okpebholo’s remarks, calling it a failed attempt to score cheap political points. Afegbua described Okpebholo as a humble and respectful Edo son who understands the revered position of traditional rulers in the state.
