Osifo Urges Edo Women to Reject Obaseki’s Alleged N50 Million Bribe for Anti-Oshiomhole Protests
Benin City, Edo State — The political landscape in Edo State has taken a dramatic turn as Governor Godwin Obaseki faces sharp criticism for allegedly using N50 million of taxpayers’ money to pay women to protest against former Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The protests reportedly stem from Oshiomhole's reaction to comments made by the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betty Obaseki.
Sir Matthew Osifo, a retired Permanent Secretary and Convener of Election Eyewitness Report, has expressed his deep displeasure with Governor Obaseki's actions. Osifo blamed the outgoing governor for failing to instill discipline in his wife, Mrs. Betty Obaseki, whose recent outburst has sparked controversy.
Osifo condemned Governor Obaseki for allegedly spending a substantial amount of public funds on organizing protests against Oshiomhole. He described the governor's actions as a desperate attempt to undermine his political opponents and called for an apology to Senator Monday Okpebholo, Comrade Oshiomhole, and the people of Edo State.
According to Osifo, the First Lady’s remarks have opened the floodgates for a campaign of calumny in Edo State. He noted that the governorship campaign had been progressing peacefully until Mrs. Obaseki’s inflammatory comments disrupted the political atmosphere.
Osifo urged Edo women to reject the alleged bribe and refrain from participating in what he termed a “shameful public spectacle.” He also criticized Mrs. Obaseki for insulting Senator Okpebholo by questioning his marital status—a claim she could not substantiate.
“We know the rumors about Betty and Godwin Obaseki, but we chose not to air them. It's a shameful situation where Governor Obaseki has failed to manage his home properly,” Osifo stated.
He defended Oshiomhole’s response to Mrs. Obaseki’s comments, arguing that the former governor was justified in defending his candidate. Osifo pointed out that those living in glass houses should not throw stones, emphasizing that Mrs. Obaseki’s attack on Okpebholo warranted Oshiomhole’s rebuttal.
Continuing, Osifo remarked on the First Lady’s behavior during the recent PDP campaign for Asue Ighodalo, where she publicly berated Senator Okpebholo. He lamented the lack of decorum, noting that it reflected poorly on the kind of household the Obasekis run.
Osifo also criticized those who suggested that Oshiomhole should have ignored the First Lady because she is a woman. He argued that such comments further demean women by excusing poor conduct based on gender.
He concluded by addressing the claims made against Betty Obaseki, suggesting that she lacks the compassion and enterprise expected of a First Lady. He also referenced past accusations that the Obaseki marriage is a contractual one, further fueling the controversy.
The political tension in Edo State continues to rise as the governorship election approaches, with these recent developments adding another layer of complexity to the already heated campaign season.
