The Edo State Government and the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) on Tuesday engaged in a war of words over what the CRPP termed undisclosed 'cost of contacts' and other issues. In a statement to journalists in Benin, CRPP Chairman Samson Isibor accused Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration of undue interference and unilaterally selecting candidates for the upcoming primary election of his party.
CRPP Challenges Okpebholo's Performance Claims
Isibor refuted Okpebholo's assertion that he is the best governor Edo has ever had, describing it as propaganda far from the truth. 'In fact, he is the least performing governor Edo has ever produced since its creation,' Isibor added. He threatened to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinize projects that have become the talk of the town.
Key Questions Raised by CRPP
Isibor questioned the cost at which Okpebholo awarded the Ramat Park flyover bridge to a Chinese company and the timeline for its completion. He also asked about the role of First Bank in the two projects, when they were advertised for bidding, and which other firms bid for the construction. 'The people of Edo State deserve to know the answers to these pertinent questions; it is their right,' he stressed.
Government Dismisses CRPP as 'Scam'
In response, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, described the CRPP as a scam driven by one ragtag, turncoat politician who has been feeding fat on a clueless organization not known to law. 'Since 2007, this same CRPP has been in the hands of Mr. Isibor for political negotiation. We will not glorify him with a response. Edo people are not blind; they can see the visible signs of our intervention,' Afegbua added.
