The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has sharply criticized the state government for threatening Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor following a Facebook post. According to a statement issued by the PDP Caretaker Committee, led by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi in Benin City, public officials should be open to criticism and focus on delivering quality governance instead of silencing opposing views.
The controversy began when the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Samson Osagie, accused Ifaluyi-Isibor of defaming Governor Monday Okpebholo and other commissioners through a social media post. Osagie described the content as criminally defamatory and demanded a public apology within 24 hours. He also insisted on a full retraction across all social media platforms and a formal apology published in at least one national newspaper.
Dr. Aziegbemi condemned Osagie’s statement, saying it was a deliberate attempt to suppress freedom of expression and intimidate citizens who question the performance of the current administration. He argued that Ifaluyi-Isibor’s comments were accurate and aligned with the PDP’s concerns regarding the government’s failures.
He added that governance in Edo State has deteriorated significantly, citing the governor’s consistent absence as a major cause of decline in education, healthcare, the economy, and security. Aziegbemi emphasized that citizens have every right to speak out and hold their leaders accountable.
