By joshua Address Issues, Stop Making False Claims About CNPP, IPAC Membership, CRPP Tells Afegbua
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has expressed disappointment over what it described as the recent provocative remarks by the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, accusing him of diverting attention from the substantive issues it raised regarding the conduct and outcome of the recent local government election in the state.
The CRPP said its attention had been drawn to Afegbua’s claim that he was once a member of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), insisting that he was never a member of either organisation from their inception to date.
In a statement signed by Dr. Samson Isibor, National Chairman,
and Hon. Nkama Waribe
Secretary, “Afegbua should publicly explain the basis of his claim, maintaining that he neither belonged to the organisations nor understood their objectives and operations”.
The CRPP further stated that Afegbua was never elected or appointed chairman of any registered political party and, therefore, could not have been a member of either CNPP or IPAC, since membership of the two bodies is drawn from the chairmen of registered political parties or their duly accredited representatives.
It challenged the commissioner to produce any evidence showing that he was ever a member of either organisation.
The coalition further alleged that rather than responding to its concerns over what it described as the “manufactured” results of the July 11 local government election, the commissioner resorted to personal attacks and insults against the coalition.
“We expected the Commissioner to address the fundamental issues we raised concerning the credibility of the local government election instead of engaging in personal attacks.
“Resorting to insults does not answer the serious questions surrounding the election,” the statement said.
The CRPP maintained that it remains undeterred by what it described as Afegbua’s conduct, insisting that public office holders should respond to criticism with facts rather than personal attacks.
The coalition also renewed its call for the commissioner to be relieved of his appointment, alleging that he has failed to effectively promote the policies and programmes of the government he serves and has instead allowed personal ego to overshadow the responsibilities of his office.
CRPP urged government officials to embrace constructive engagement on issues affecting Edo people, stressing that accountability and responsible public communication remain essential to democratic governance.