By Ejire Folakunmi
The Office of the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has responded to recent public remarks by Kassim Afegbua, Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State, describing his allegations as false and misleading.
In the said remarks, Afegbua alleged that the Minister manipulated the list of ward chairmen and councillorship candidates in Etsako East Local Government Area, imposed candidates, and acted at variance with the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo.
The Minister’s office, however, rejected these claims, stating that they are unfounded and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
While noting that it does not intend to engage in public disputes, the office said it became necessary to clarify the issues in the interest of truth, party unity, and good governance.
The statement emphasised that the Minister was not involved in the nomination or selection of ward chairmen or councillorship candidates in Etsako East.
According to the office, the process was conducted at the grassroots level by recognised leaders and stakeholders across the wards, in line with party procedures and directives from the state leadership.
It explained that the Minister’s role was limited to receiving, documenting, and forwarding nominations duly made and endorsed by ward leaders, with all supporting documentation, in a transparent and procedural manner.
This position, the statement noted, has been corroborated by leaders of Ward 5 in Etsako East, including Aremiyau Momoh, Anthony Ofemile, and Yekini Ahmed, who affirmed that no candidate was imposed.
The Minister’s office also dismissed claims of a rift with Governor Okpebholo, describing their relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared commitment to the development of Edo State.
It stated that the Minister holds the Governor in high regard as the state’s leader and has consistently supported his administration and vision.
“There has never been any instance of undermining the Governor’s authority,” the statement added.
The statement urged Afegbua, as a senior government official, to uphold the responsibility of promoting unity, accuracy, and constructive communication.
It expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of disengagement from grassroots party structures, noting that effective political leadership requires consistent interaction with local stakeholders.
The Minister’s office also called on Governor Okpebholo to take note of actions and rhetoric capable of undermining party cohesion and governance.
Reaffirming its position, the office stated that the Minister remains committed to supporting the administration and delivering on his mandate of driving development across the country.
It further urged all stakeholders to avoid divisive narratives and instead focus on strengthening party unity, respecting grassroots democratic processes, and advancing the collective interest of Edo State.
The statement concluded by emphasising that the people of Etsako East and the wider state deserve leadership anchored on fairness, due process, and service.
