By Kolawole Ojebisi
Edo state Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo has revealed that he has deliberately refused to extend an invite to his immediate predecessor and outgoing Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki for his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.
Okpebholo alleged that Governor Obaseki, through his actions, has tacitly shown unwillingness to cooperate with him, adding that the outgoing governor is allegedly doing everything to frustrate peaceful transition of power.
The incoming governor noted that Obaseki has yet to congratulate him on his victory at the September 21 governorship election.
Okpebholo also accused Obaseki of playing politics of bitterness by not inviting him to the Government House for a meeting or a tour as formality demands.
The Governor-elect said this in a statement issued by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, and made available to newsmen on Sunday.
He said: “Again, Obaseki also claimed that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration slated for next Tuesday. This is laughable, absurd, and questionable. Since Okpebholo was declared the winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power.
“As a sitting governor, Obaseki should tell Edo people and Nigerians if he has ever invited the governor-elect to Government House for a meeting or a tour as a responsible man. Has Obaseki called Senator Okpebholo to congratulate him since he won the election?”
What reportedly sparked Okpebholo’s reaction was a statement credited to Obaseki on Saturday.
Obaseki had alleged that the governor-elect and his party, the All Progressives Congress, were planning his inauguration without consulting or involving the state government in the preparations.
The outgoing governor, who condemned the development and described it as “lawless”, stressed that he has yet to get an invite for the swearing-in ceremony of Okpebholo.
However, Okpebholo in his reaction, described the governor’s statement as incorrect,
