BENIN CITY – The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to suspend Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, and his alleged gang of thugs in the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), describing it as a mere distraction from what they term the governor’s “illegitimate mandate.”
In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the PDP dismissed the suspension as a continuation of what it calls the “comedic masterpiece” of Okpebholo’s administration. The party argued that the frequent suspensions within the government—ranging from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, to the Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani—are symptoms of a much deeper crisis.
“The real problem,” the statement read, “is that Okpebholo is sitting on an illegitimate mandate. On September 21, 2024, the people of Edo State came out en masse and overwhelmingly voted for Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the PDP. However, Okpebholo and his political godfathers forcefully imposed themselves on the State in what has been widely described as one of the worst electoral heists since Nigeria’s return to democracy.”
The PDP insisted that the ongoing suspensions of officials and security operatives within the administration indicate a government in disarray. The party cited the removal of key figures, including the Managing Director of the Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency, as further proof that Okpebholo’s government lacks legitimacy.
According to Nehikhare, “No one holds a personal grudge against Okpebholo, but his government is illegitimate. Illegitimacy cannot magically transform into legitimacy. The only way peace can be restored in Edo State is by returning the stolen mandate to Asue Ighodalo, who was duly elected by the people.”
The statement called on Edo residents to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the judiciary would overturn the election results and reinstate Ighodalo. “By the grace of God, justice will prevail, and Edo State will find peace again,” the PDP assured.
As of press time, the Edo State Government had yet to respond to the PDP’s allegations. However, political analysts note that the suspensions within Okpebholo’s administration continue to fuel debates over governance and legitimacy in the state.
Stay with Procyon News for updates on this developing story.
