The Peoples Democratic Celebration has alleged that 4 members of the Edo State Home of Meeting obtained N200m every as inducement to defect to the All Progressives Congress.
The lawmakers— Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Shiny Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East)—on Wednesday formally joined the APC on the occasion’s secretariat in Benin.
They have been obtained by the performing Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, and different occasion leaders.
With this defection, the APC now holds 13 seats within the 24-member Meeting, whereas the PDP has 11. The Labour Celebration additionally misplaced its solely lawmaker to the APC.
The PDP swiftly condemned the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of utilizing state funds to bribe lawmakers.
“In affirmation of the alarm raised by our occasion final week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to purchase over PDP lawmakers with N200meach, 4 members have now defected, pocketing the cash within the course of,” mentioned Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary.
“We frown at this wanton waste of state sources and warn that misappropriation of presidency funds attracts extreme penalties. Okpebholo will ultimately account for this reckless expenditure.”
Nehikhare additionally criticised the governor for prioritizing political realignment over governance, significantly at a time when insecurity is escalating in Edo State.
“Whereas insecurity ravages communities, claiming at the least 40 lives within the final two weeks, the governor is targeted on political horse-trading for his survival, relatively than tackling pressing safety issues,” he added.
Defending their choice to modify allegiance, the defecting lawmakers blamed inner crises throughout the PDP for his or her departure.
“A home divided in opposition to itself can not stand,” mentioned Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the group. “We consider within the imaginative and prescient of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have determined to hitch him in reaching his plans for Edo State. We promise to work with him to construct each the occasion and the state.”
Welcoming the lawmakers, APC performing chairman Jarret Tenebe, described their transfer as a significant increase for the ruling occasion, assuring them of equal rights and privileges throughout the occasion.
“These honourable members, who carry a wealth of expertise and numerous views, have recognised that the APC gives probably the most promising path ahead for Edo State and Nigeria,” Tenebe mentioned. “They’ve seen the readability of our insurance policies, the integrity of Governor Okpebholo’s management, and his unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of Edo folks.”
Dismissing the PDP’s bribery allegations, Tenebe insisted that the lawmakers defected out of conviction, not monetary incentives.
“This isn’t merely about rising our numbers however strengthening our collective resolve. We worth each member’s contribution and are assured that our new lawmakers will play a significant function in our journey towards success,” he added.
Tenebe then introduced the lawmakers with brooms, the official image of the APC.
With the APC strengthening its maintain on the Edo Meeting, the PDP stays hopeful that the continued governorship election tribunal will reverse Okpebholo’s victory.
Nehikhare reaffirmed the occasion’s perception that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, received the September 21 election, vowing that the PDP would reclaim its mandate.
“We’re assured that the judiciary will appropriate the injustice of September 21 and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he mentioned.
