The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) and Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, have exchanged sharp words over Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration. The tension followed a recent protest in the state over economic hardship. CRPP National Chairman Samson Isibor accused Afegbua of deflecting from key issues like insecurity, unemployment and poor infrastructure. He claimed the commissioner responded with rhetoric and personal attacks rather than addressing public concerns. Isibor stated the coalition had previously backed Okpebholo during the APC primary but would not remain silent on governance failures. The CRPP had called for the governor's resignation, citing "ineptitude and nonchalant attitude" amid worsening conditions. "It is an undeniable fact that Edo people are kidnapped, prices of staple foods are beyond the common man," Isibor said. He urged the government to prioritise governance over political messaging. Afegbua has not issued a fresh statement beyond his initial rebuttal.
Samson Isibor's public rebuke of Kassim Afegbua reveals how quickly political allies can turn into vocal critics when governance fails to deliver tangible results. The CRPP's shift from supporting Okpebholo in the primaries to demanding his resignation underscores the fragility of political loyalty in the face of economic distress. For Edo residents enduring rising food costs and insecurity, the war of words offers no relief—only confirmation that their suffering has become a political tool. Without concrete action, such exchanges will remain noise in a growing chorus of discontent.
