Supporters of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, have expressed disappointment over what they described as abandonment by the very leader they came out to celebrate.
The crowd, comprising market women and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had converged on the Benin Airport early Friday morning to welcome the governor following the Supreme Court judgment that upheld his election victory.
Arriving at the airport as early as 7:00am, the supporters waited for hours under the scorching sun until Okpebholo’s aircraft landed at about 12:40pm. Jubilant and spirited, they embarked on a roadshow alongside the governor, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that caught the attention of passersby and motorists as the procession made its way to Government House.
However, their enthusiasm quickly turned to dismay when they were denied entry into the Government House premises upon arrival.
Speaking anonymously, one of the disappointed supporters said they were shocked when security personnel at the gate informed them that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) were permitted access.
“We were stunned when they told us the governor had instructed that we should not be allowed in. After all the support and the hours we spent waiting at the airport, this is how we’re treated?” he said.
Another supporter, Mrs. Ebosele Omogiate, lamented the abrupt shift in attitude from the governor since his election was affirmed by the court.
“During the campaigns, we were welcomed and appreciated. But now, it feels like we’re being cast aside,” she said. “Even during Obaseki’s worst moments, supporters were not treated like this.”
She added that she had left her home before 7am and stood in the sun for several hours, only to be locked out of the celebrations at Government House.
Another visibly upset supporter said, “We marched with the governor from the airport to Government House with joy and pride. To be turned away at the gate like strangers is not only humiliating but deeply unfair.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Government nor the APC had issued any statement in response to the incident or the allegations made by the supporters.
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