Office Of The Honourable Minister Federal Ministry Of Regional Development Abuja

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

April 2, 2026

MISLEADING STATEMENTS MADE BY PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA, COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION, EDO STATE.

The attention of the office of Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, has been drawn to recent public remarks by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State. In those comments, Prince Kassim Afegbua made unfounded allegations that the Honourable Minister doctored the list of ward chairmen and councillorship candidates in Etsako East Local Government Area, imposed individuals on the process, and was working at cross purposes with the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

These claims are false, misleading, and appear calculated to create unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. While the office of Honourable Minister has no desire to join issues with Prince Afegbua or descend into unnecessary public exchanges, it has become imperative to set the records straight in the interest of truth, party unity, and good governance.

As the saying goes, “a single rotten tomato can spoil the entire basket” – when individuals in sensitive positions peddle falsehoods and mischief, it risks undermining the collective efforts of the administration and the peace of the grassroots.For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to note as follows:
On the allegation of imposition or doctoring of lists

The Honourable Minister was not involved in the nomination or selection of any ward chairmen or councillorship candidates in Etsako East.

The process was a purely grassroot exercise conducted by the recognised leaders and stakeholders of the various wards through collective decision-making at ward-level meetings, in line with established party procedures and the directives of the Governor. The Honourable Minister’s role, as an acknowledged leader from the area, was limited strictly to receiving, documenting, and forwarding the nominations duly made and endorsed by the ward leaders, complete with supporting documentation. This was done transparently and procedurally.

This position has been strongly corroborated by the rejoinders issued by the leaders of Ward 5, Etsako East, signed by prominent stakeholders including Hon Aremiyau Momoh (Mbakwe), HC Anthony Ofemile, High Chief Yekini Ahmed, and many others. They have clearly stated that the Minister did not impose or nominate any candidate for any ward including their own where Kassim Afegbua hails from.

On the Claim of Working at Cross Purposes with the Governor.

The Honourable Minister holds the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the highest esteem as the number one citizen of the state and Leader of the APC in Edo State. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment , respect, and unwavering support for the Governor’s vision and administration. The Minister played a significant role in the emergence of Senator Okpebholo and remains fully committed to the success of his government, which is focused on delivering tangible development and meeting the aspirations of the people of Edo State. There has never been any instance of undermining the Governor’s authority.

The relationship between the Honourable Minister and the Governor is one of mutual respect and shared commitment to the progress of Edo State. It is regrettable that Prince Afegbua has chosen to fabricate a narrative of conflict where none exists.

Prince Afegbua, as a senior member of the State Executive Council occupying the sensitive role of Commissioner for Information and Orientation, has a heightened responsibility to promote unity, accuracy, and responsible communication. His recent conduct raises serious questions about his credentials as a grassroots party man.

Since his appointment, his engagement with his own community of Okpella Ward 5 in Etsako East has been notably absent. He has rarely been seen consulting with, or addressing the concerns of, the APC faithful at the ward level, preferring instead to operate largely between Abuja and Benin City. True party politics at the grassroots demands consistent presence, listening, and constructive engagement – qualities that appear lacking in this instance, hence the ward decided their councillor in a meeting without his presence.

The Honourable Minister therefore urges His Excellency, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, to take note of such characters and tendencies within the cabinet and party structure. Individuals who engage in mischievous and divisive rhetorics risk destabilising the very foundation of the administration we all laboured to build.

As the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo wisely counselled: “After labouring to build the house, one cannot turn around to become a party in its destruction.”

The Honourable Minister will continue to offer his full support and advice to the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo and focus on his primary responsibility of delivering meaningful development projects that benefit the people of Edo State and Nigeria at large.We call on all stakeholders, particularly those in positions of public trust, to desist from divisive propaganda and instead channel their energies towards strengthening party cohesion, respecting grassroots democracy, and advancing the collective interest of Edo State.

The people of Etsako East and the entire state deserve party leadership rooted in due process, fairness, and genuine service.

Signed
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of Regional Development
Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE
Abuja