Okpebholo Demands Apology From PDP Chieftains Over Bribery Allegation

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has demanded an unreserved apology from the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Nehikhare, and a party chieftain, Shedrach Udugbai, over alleged defamatory statements accusing him of bribery and mismanagement of state funds.

In a pre-action notice issued by his legal team, Okpebholo gave both men a five-day ultimatum to retract their statements or face legal action.

The notice, signed by Dr Blessing Agbomhere and Taiwo Elizabeth Olorunfemi, described the allegations as false, malicious, and damaging to the governor’s reputation.

Nehikhare had, in a press statement on March 10, accused Okpebholo of offering N200 million to lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also claimed that the governor misappropriated state funds and gave councillors N2 million each as an incentive to join the APC.

Similarly, Udugbai, in an interview on ITV’s “This Morning” on March 13, alleged that Okpebholo bribed three PDP lawmakers with N200 million each to switch allegiance.

The statements, widely circulated on social media, were said to have portrayed the governor as corrupt, dishonest, and unfit to lead.

Okpebholo’s legal team argued that these claims were baseless and intended to mislead the public.

They stated that the governor had never been involved in any financial misconduct throughout his political career, both as a senator and now as the leader of Edo State.

The lawyers insisted that Nehikhare and Udugbai must issue a public apology through the same media platforms they used to make the allegations.

They warned that failure to comply within five days would result in legal action to seek redress for defamation.

Meanwhile, neither Nehikhare nor Udugbai has responded to the demand, and it remains uncertain whether they will issue an apology or contest the claims in court.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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