Edo stampede row deepens as CRPP takes Aim at Afegbua

By Jethro Ibileke

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has warned the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, to tread cautiously in his attacks on the opposition.

The CRPP issued the warning while responding to an alleged attack by Afegbua in a statement released on Monday and signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, Dr Samson Isibor and Hon. Nkama Waribe, respectively. The group noted that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

“Our attention has been drawn to the vituperation of the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, following our statement that exposed the unfortunate incident that occurred on Wednesday last week at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, where over 50 students, mostly female, almost lost their lives after collapsing during a stampede and subsequently being admitted to hospital.

“Instead of explaining what actually happened to Edo people, especially the parents of the victims, Afegbua derided us, called us an unregistered party and used several uncivilised words to describe our chairman,” the statement said.

While noting that Afegbua’s responsibility as Information Commissioner is to inform, educate and enlighten citizens on the activities of the government he serves, the CRPP stated that “Afegbua is doing a poor job of managing his principal”.

“Rather than addressing issues raised about the government he represents at every given opportunity, he vilifies the opposition and deceives citizens with unintelligible grammar. Because of his penchant for grammar, we would have advised him to apply for a teaching job at any journalism school, but we also know that he would not make a good teacher of that noble profession.

“Out of ignorance, Afegbua could not differentiate between political parties and pressure groups or civil associations. For the umpteenth time, we will educate him. CRPP, like other groups, namely the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Association of Political Parties (APP), Rainbow Coalition, United Political Parties Group (UPPG), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and IPAC, are all pressure groups. While some are sponsored by governments, many others, like CRPP, are self-funded.

“As a self-funded pressure group and voice of the people, CRPP has the mandate to keep governments at all levels on their toes in order to ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people. And if members of CRPP deem it fit to retain Dr Isibor as their chairman for as long as necessary, how does that affect the work of Afegbua as Information Commissioner?” the statement added.

The group further stated that “Afegbua has served as spokesperson to more than five prominent individuals, but ended up being dismissed unceremoniously. He even attempted to contest an election in the state but could not secure as many as 10 votes.

“We must remind Prince Afegbua that those who live in glass houses must refrain from throwing stones indiscriminately, lest they inadvertently destroy their own homes. The more he keeps attacking the opposition unprovoked, the more he is unwittingly exposing his government to ridicule and negative criticism from the public over its failure to meet the aspirations of the people.

“A word, they say, is enough for the wise. CRPP has spoken!” the statement said.

As of the time of filing this report, Prince Kassim Afegbua could not be reached for comment.