A group, Edo South Business Forum has berated Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, after he vowed to continue the legacy of former governor Adams Oshiomhole if elected as state governor.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the forum described Oshiomhole’s tenure as “the worst in the history of Edo State.”
The forum accused Oshiomhole, who is now the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, of leading without empathy, promoting thuggery, and failing to attract any meaningful investment to the state.
Osazuwa Imafidon, Chairman of the Edo South Business Forum, lamented over Okpebholo’s declaration, warning that it signals a potential return to the “dark days of governance” under Oshiomhole.
He said: “Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure was notorious for its lack of empathy towards the very people he was elected to serve.’’
He recalled the former governor’s infamous encounter with a widow in Benin City, where Oshiomhole told her to ‘Go and die’ after she pleaded for leniency.
“This moment, captured on video, became a national symbol of Oshiomhole’s mean-spirited and condescending approach to governance,” Imafidon noted
The forum also brought to the fore Senator Oshiomhole’s treatment of teachers during his administration, particularly during a verification exercise that was described as a “spectacle of humiliation.”
The group argued that Oshiomhole’s administration showed a complete disregard for government workers, and created a hostile working environment characterized by “fear and intimidation.”
One of the most damaging aspects of Oshiomhole’s tenure, according to the forum, was his alleged encouragement and elevation of thuggery within the state.
“It was under his administration that thugs became a rampant and disruptive force in our communities, often being elevated to the status of state officials,” the group said.
The forum argued that the promotion of lawlessness during Oshiomhole’s tenure undermined the rule of law and created a culture of fear and violence in Edo State.
Contrary to claims of development, the Edo South Business Forum accused Oshiomhole’s government of failing to attract any meaningful investment into the state.
“Despite the bombastic rhetoric, there was little to show in terms of real, sustainable economic growth,” the group stated.
It further stated that Oshiomhole’s legacy is one of “missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises.”
The group urged voters in the state to reject Senator Okpebholo at the polls, stating that his pledge to continue Oshiomhole’s legacy is a clear indication of his intent to “take Edo State back to the dark days of governance.”
“Edo deserves better. We deserve leadership that respects our dignity, values our contributions, and is committed to building a future that benefits all, not just a select few,” the statement concluded.
