Governorship candidate of Labour Party in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has accused agents of Edo State government for the destruction of its campaign billboards across the state.
Briefing newsmen in Benin City on the incessant destruction/pulling down of LP’s campaign billboards, Akpata said:”You cannot rule out the fact that some persons in the state are taking advantage of the impasse rocking the party to perpetrate what he tagged as “hineous crime.”
He alleged that the Obaseki led ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state colluding with two council chairmen were behind the destruction of his campaign materials and billboards, which he said amounts to vandalism.
Insisting that the PDP is uncomfortable with his billboards’ visibility,Akpata said the Edo LP members and supporters have been alerted to secure all its campaign materials including billboards to put an end to the wanton destruction of its campaign billboards which he described as being “criminal and barbaric”.
“By resorting to the unbridled destruction of my campaign materials that I have legally and legitimately paid for with my hard-earned resources, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his handlers have clearly shown themselves to be anti-democratic forces intolerant of divergent voices, dissenting opinions, and the fundamental principles of pluralism that undergird any true democracy worth the name,”Akpata said.
Reacting in a statement, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, urged Akpata to engage the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. OlumideAkpata regarding the removal of his campaign billboard. The Edo State government condemns any form of vandalism, urging all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.”
“While we understand Mr. Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage to settle any outstanding bills or disputes,”Nehikhare said.
