Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki has described the allegations that he forged his first degree certificate as nothing but a lie.
Obaseki, speaking during a meeting with ward leaders in Oredo local government area of the state on Saturday, contended that there was no way he could have forged the certificate from the University of Ibadan.
One of the governorship aspirants under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Chris Ogiemwonyi, had filed a suit against the governor alleging that he forged his certificate.
He claimed that the governor forged his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) certificate in classical studies from the University of Ibadan and prayed the court to disqualify him from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
Ogiemwonyi, also alleged that Obaseki was forced on the state in 2016.
However, reacting to the allegations, Obaseki asserted that he would never cover up issues regarding his certificates.
He also made bold to say that he won the 2016 elections including that of his ward, adding that the documented election results were available for all to see.
READ ALSO: Edo Poll: Obaseki Didn’t Obtain PDP Form, Says Aziegbemi
Obaseki held that the forthcoming governorship election in the state would be a turning point in the history of the state, promising that his administration would be an inclusive one if reelected.
He said further: “I am just going round to say thank you to my people for their support so far. I am assuring them that I will continue my good work in the state.
“When people come out to lie that I didn’t win my ward during the last election, they forget that election results are documented.
“They say I forged my certificate. How can you forge the certificate of the University of Ibadan? I am not like those that burn buildings to cover up their certificate issues.
“We have been practising democracy for 21 years now. We cannot continue to behave the same way. This time, we will change the narrative.
“This will be a government of the people by the people and for the people. It will not be a government of the people by a few people.”
Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it would probe the genuineness of relevant documents including the educational certificates of Governor Godwin Obaseki and five others for the party’s June 22, 2020 gubernatorial Primary Election in Edo state.
The party in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that the decision was aimed at ensuring due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise.
