Rattled Edo Commissioner Faluyi Isibor’s Desperate Move – A Distraction From Obaseki’s Failures

Rattled Edo Commissioner Faluyi Isibor’s Desperate Move: A Distraction From Obaseki’s Failures

In the latest episode of Edo State’s ongoing political drama, Ogbeide Faluyi-Isibor, the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, has made headlines not for his contributions to state development but for his aggressive and controversial responses to recent scandals. His recent actions, coupled with his inflammatory rhetoric, reveal not just a frustrated official but also a concerning distraction from the real issues plaguing the Edo State government.

The recent scandal involving the diversion of rice aid, meant for the state’s poorest citizens, has rightly drawn outrage. The APC-led federal government had sent trailers of rice to assist those in need, but these essential supplies were repackaged into 10 kg bags for use in Asue Ighodalo’s campaign. This has been rightfully dubbed the “Rice Ultimate Search” by Edo residents, a fitting name for the debacle that highlights a gross misuse of resources.

Initially, Faluyi-Isibor’s response was marked by intense frustration and despair. In a leaked WhatsApp chat, he vented his anger over the exposure and urged the PDP to declare a “state of emergency” on its media. He called for the establishment of a propaganda unit to discredit the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. This outburst has sparked significant backlash within the PDP, with many demanding Faluyi-Isibor’s resignation due to his perceived insensitivity and unethical behavior.

Faluyi-Isibor’s remarks, however, reflect more than mere frustration; they expose his own shortcomings and a troubling diversion from critical issues. His assertion that APC members are struggling and that the party should be silenced for its failures does little to address the systemic problems within the Obaseki administration. Instead, his focus on personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric only serves to deflect attention from the significant governance failures that have characterized Obaseki’s tenure.

Moreover, Faluyi-Isibor’s inflammatory outburst, declaring “if the Scripture says we should not suffer a witch to live, why should we allow the APC to have life in Edo State?” is a glaring example of how his rhetoric undermines meaningful discourse. This kind of inflammatory language does nothing to address the real governance issues and only serves to escalate tensions without providing any real solutions.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Director

APC New Media Directorate