Press Release: Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata Campaign Council Exposes Crusoe Osagie’s Desperate Attempt To Salvage PDP’s Sinking Ship....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Written By Oshiobugie John

Benin City, Edo State, September 1, 2024— In an astonishing display of desperation, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, has once again taken to the airwaves to launch a barrage of falsehoods and misdirection against the Labour Party’s Governorship candidate, Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata. This latest tirade, ostensibly aimed at defending a failed administration, is nothing more than a masterclass in dishonesty and a clear attempt to divert public attention from the glaring failures of the Edo State Government under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a recent television interview, Mr. Akpata spoke the truth, highlighting the chronic mismanagement and ineptitude that have characterized the Obaseki-Ighodalo administration. Yet, instead of addressing these valid concerns, Mr. Osagie chose to attack Mr. Akpata, distorting his words and attempting to mislead the good people of Edo State.

A Puppet’s Poor Performance

One need look no further than the recent appearance of Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Obaseki’s chosen successor, on Arise TV to see the crux of the issue. Mr. Ighodalo, who has been closely tied to the economic failures of this administration, could not convincingly distance himself from the disastrous policies he has helped to craft. His bumbling performance is reflective of a man who, despite his attempts, cannot shake off the strings of his puppet master.

Rather than admit to these evident failures, Mr. Osagie and his allies have chosen the well-worn path of projection—accusing Mr. Akpata of the very failings that define their own candidate. But the people of Edo are not so easily fooled. They see through the façade, recognizing that the real “disgrace” lies not in Mr. Akpata’s honest and forthright critique, but in the legacy of broken promises, lies, and economic despair left by the Obaseki administration.

Akpata’s Commitment to Truth and Progress

Mr. Akpata’s approach to governance is grounded in reality. He has made it clear that, unlike the current administration, he will not make grandiose promises that he cannot keep. Instead, he is committed to addressing the fundamentals that will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, thus generating jobs and improving the standard of living for Edo citizens.

In contrast, Mr. Osagie’s attempt to laud the administration’s power generation achievements is laughable at best. While the government touts impressive-sounding statistics, the reality is that many areas in Edo State remain in total darkness. This is yet another example of how out of touch the Obaseki administration has become.

Mr. Akpata, with his extensive experience in the energy sector, including his instrumental role in the Azura power project, brings the real-world expertise needed to turn these failures around. He is committed to ensuring that future power projects will serve the people of Edo State, not the vested interests that have profited under the current regime.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

In a further attempt to mislead, Mr. Osagie has twisted Mr. Akpata’s comments on state finances, accusing him of misrepresenting Edo’s FAAC allocations. This is a deliberate distortion of facts. Mr. Akpata’s point was clear: despite the substantial revenue streams, Edo State remains burdened by debt and lacking in basic infrastructure. This fiscal irresponsibility is symptomatic of an administration that has squandered the resources of the state to the detriment of its people.

Unity and Equity Over Division

Finally, Mr. Osagie’s attempt to sow division along ethnic lines is both cynical and dangerous. Mr. Akpata has consistently supported equitable representation and affirmative action but insists that such policies must be implemented thoughtfully and with broad consensus. The people of Edo State will not be divided by the petty politics of the PDP.

Conclusion

The Edo State Governorship election is fast approaching, and the people of Edo have a clear choice before them. They can continue with the failed policies of the past, represented by Mr. Obaseki’s handpicked successor, or they can embrace a new direction under Mr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata—a leader committed to truth, transparency, and real progress for all Edo citizens.

The Akpata Campaign Council urges all Edo people to see through the smokescreen of lies and misdirection, and to join us in building a better, brighter future for our great state.