Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lashed out at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for spreading what he calls “blatant falsehood” about Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
During the interview with ADEYINKA ADEDIPE which was duly monitored by Truth Live News, Aziegbemi responded robustly to allegations made by the APC that Governor Obaseki should be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for corruption.
“We are in an election period, but we expect a sense of decency and uprightness from our leaders,” he stated. “It doesn’t speak well of anyone to be dishing out blatant falsehood.”
Aziegbemi criticized the APC’s claims that the e-governance platform created by Governor Obaseki would enable him to delete information if his party loses the election. He described these allegations as backward and disrespectful to Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security agencies.
“The digital platform is the most secure, advanced, and transparent way of conducting business,” he asserted.
He further pointed out that if the governor wanted to hide anything, he would have stuck with paper records, which are easier to destroy.
“We knew what happened during Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s era when the Ministry of Education went up in flames because the government was trying to hide information,” Aziegbemi added.
Regarding the allegations about the ownership of modular refineries in the state, Aziegbemi emphasized that the governor had only created an enabling environment for Edo State indigenes to invest.
“Edo people’s money is not in those projects. The governor created opportunities for our business people to invest in the state, which is now creating jobs and contributing to the state’s IGR.”
On the involvement of Dr. Asue Ighodalo in corruption allegations, Aziegbemi stated, “Banwo and Ighodalo is a reputable firm, and if they bid for a contract and followed due process, there should be no issue. The state government aims for the best value in executing projects.”
Aziegbemi dismissed the APC’s criticisms of the ownership of the Radisson Hotel, pointing out that the project brings significant advantages to the state.
“The APC doesn’t have anything to campaign with. They are quick to make spurious allegations instead of focusing on what they can do for the people.”
Challenging the APC to provide evidence for their claims, Aziegbemi concluded,
“I dare them to bring out the documents. If they can’t prove their allegations in court, there should be consequences for misleading the public and maligning a government that has done so much for the people.”