RSG Blasts Oshiomhale Over Comments On Edo Polls

The Rivers State Govern
ment has described as baseless and untrue the statement credited to the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole accusing Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his Delta State Counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa of doling out over N2 billion to secure victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the postponed governorship election in Edo State.
The Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Chris Itamunola dismissed the allegation on Friday at a political programme on Franchise held in Port Harcourt.
The Special Adviser who also described the allegation as unfounded and unsubstantiated, said it was rather unfortunate and very disappointing that a fellow governor in Niger Delta region would accuse his counterparts in the region for political reason to taint their political image, particularly the Rivers State Governor, who, by the dwindling national economy believed that no such amount of money can be donated for anything rather than the development of the state.
“For a governor of that status of Oshiomhole’s, it is rather unfortunate and very disappointing for Edo State Governor to accuse Governor Wike in that manner. The allegation against our amiable governor is unfounded, vexatious and capable of throwing the peace of the region into crisis, he said.
Itamunola also condemned the sudden postponement of the Edo State election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warning that if the electoral empire under the leadership of President Mohammadu Buhari continue in the same inconclusive and postponement manner, the 2019 general election might be jeopardized.
The Inter party Adviser faulted the reason behind the postponement saying that it was a calculated move by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC to perfect their conspiracy on how to rig the election in favour of the governorship candidate of APC in the state.
On the performance of the INEC boss, Professor Mahmond Yakubu since the inception of office, Itamunola said much should not be expected without clear detachment of the presidency from interfering in the affairs of the electoral empire.
He warned INEC against politics with Nigeria’s democracy, saying that such would only lead the nation into crisis.

Stories By Enoch Epelle