Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Edo Deputy Governorship candidate in 2016, John Yakubu, yesterday, appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki to stop the destruction of political billboards in parts of the state by suspected political opponents.

Yakubu made the call in Benin City while addressing a press conference to draw the attention of the state government and Edo people to attacks on billboards. He said the situation, if not checked, could result in political crisis in the state ahead of the forthcoming 2024 governorship contest.

Yakubu described the action as ‘distasteful and reprehensible’ and capable of heating up the polity and creating dictatorial tendency inimical to the practice of democracy.

“Some days ago, we observed, with dismay, that a number of our billboards, which we paid for and caused to be placed along Airport Road, Ikpoba Slope and Ikpoba Hill had been removed illegally. On enquiry, the advertising company that handled the transaction on our behalf told us the removal was ordered by a very top Edo State Government official, who was angry about the message contained on the billboards.

“The message did not canvass for votes neither did it seek to promote the interest of any political party. The messages have not violated any electoral law. It merely says ‘Edo of Our Dream is Possible’, and that has put them on a panic mode because they know this is exactly what the good people of Edo State are yearning for.

“It has become clear from this action that the alleged top government official, who is also rumoured to be nursing the 2024 governorship ambition, became alarmed and frightened at the speed at which we have succeeded in convincing the Edo State people in our little ways that the dream of a better Edo is indeed possible.”