From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A pre-election matter bordering on forgery and perjury before an Abuja Federal High Court has pitted Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, against the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At an empowerment programme for Afemai youths in Ogbona and Jattu at the weekend, Shaibu alleged that former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, had recently boasted that the Supreme Court would give his party victory like the case of Imo State.
But the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chris Azebanmwan in a statement, alleged that the deputy governor was engaging in a smear campaign against Oshiomhole.
“The statement which he credited to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is a blatant falsehood as no such words emanated from the elder statesman. It is a smear campaign that is aimed at tarnishing the pristine image of the immediate past Chairman of the APC in the vain hope it would pit the judiciary against the legal reliefs sought by the APC.
“I challenge Philip Shaibu to provide an audio or video clip of the occasion where Oshiomhole is alleged to have made such a statement. Instead of this puerile and infantile attempt at diverting attention from the substance of the matter in court which centres on forgery and perjury, Shaibu is well advised to address his mind to shoring up their defence. “Shaibu conveniently lost sight of the fact that the issue in contention borders on forgery and perjury. APC did not go to the Federal High Court to challenge the outcome of the September 2020 election.
“The Nigerian public is too informed and discerning to be hoodwinked with fake allegations and sensationalism. We totally agree with Philip Shaibu that the Nigerian judiciary ranks amongst the best and most diligent in the world and will not be swayed or distracted by antics such as being irresponsibly orchestrated by Philip Shaibu.”
Shaibu in a statement by his media aide, Benjamin Atu, alleged that Oshiomhole was plotting to overturn Governor Obaseki’s victory through the judiciary.
Though he reaffirmed confidence in the judiciary and President Muhammadu Buhari to protect the nation’s democracy and the collective will of Edo people, he called on Edo people, especially the youths to take their destiny in their hands by securing Nigeria democracy and the political future of young people.