Edo PDP slams Okpebholo over threats, poor governance

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Edo State Government’s threat of legal action against one of its chieftains, Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, over critical remarks he made on social media about the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The reaction follows a publication signed by the Attorney-General of the State, Barr. Samson Osagie, indicating the government’s intention to sue Ifaluyi-Isibor for alleged criminal defamation.

The threat stemmed from a Facebook post by the PDP stalwart in which he criticized the performance of the Okpebholo-led government, citing poor governance across key sectors.

Describing the move as “embarrassing and desperate,” the Edo PDP, through its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, accused the Okpebholo administration of attempting to muzzle dissent, suppress opposition voices, and intimidate citizens who demand accountability.

“We read with utter dismay the threat issued by the Edo State Government against Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor over his personal commentary on Facebook. It is another blatant attempt to silence critical voices and suppress democratic expression in the State,” the statement read.

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The PDP emphasized that opposition figures and ordinary citizens alike have the constitutional right to critique public officials, reminding the government that it holds power in trust for the people and must be held accountable.

“Neither the Attorney-General nor Governor Okpebholo has the liberty to threaten citizens simply for expressing views on governance. Edo people are entitled to speak freely about how they are governed,” Aziegbemi stated.

The party maintained that the views expressed by Ifaluyi-Isibor were accurate and reflective of the widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. It alleged that Governor Okpebholo’s frequent absence and lack of oversight have led to dysfunction across vital sectors, including education, security, healthcare, and the economy.

“What Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor said is the truth. The Okpebholo administration has been largely absent and ineffective, and this has resulted in visible retrogression across the state,” the PDP declared.

In a sharp rebuke to the Attorney-General, the PDP referenced Osagie’s own recent suspension and public accusation of “grave financial and administrative infractions,” noting that he did not pursue legal redress in that instance.

“The irony is glaring. Instead of threatening citizens for expressing their views, the Attorney-General should focus his energies elsewhere — perhaps on clearing his own name,” the statement said.

The party warned that democracy cannot thrive under intimidation and accused the Okpebholo government of using state resources to pursue political vendettas rather than deliver meaningful governance.

“We condemn in totality this attempt to bully opposition voices. Edo State remains a democracy — not a fiefdom. The government must abandon its dictatorial tactics and concentrate on delivering results in the short time it has left,” Aziegbemi concluded.