The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is taking a bold stance against what it calls an attempt to silence free speech, following a threat by the state government against Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor over a Facebook post critical of the administration.

In a statement released in Benin City by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, the party condemned the actions of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Samson Osagie, who had accused Ifaluyi-Isibor of criminal defamation and demanded a public apology within 24 hours.

The Post That Sparked the Controversy

Mr. Ifaluyi-Isibor had published a post on Facebook expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his commissioners. The government quickly responded, calling the post defamatory and warning of legal consequences if a retraction wasn’t issued across all platforms and in a national newspaper.

PDP: “Stop Intimidating Citizens”

Dr. Aziegbemi didn’t mince words in his response. He said the Edo State government’s reaction was a clear attempt to stifle dissent and 

suppress opposing voices.

“Public office holders must be open to criticism. Osagie cannot lawfully silence Edo citizens or curtail their right to comment on government performance and leadership,” Aziegbemi said.

He went further to say that Ifaluyi-Isibor simply stated the truth, which aligns with the PDP’s view on the current state of affairs in Edo.

“Edo State is visibly dysfunctional. The governor’s frequent absence has caused widespread regression across key sectors like education, healthcare, economy, and security,” he added.

Free Speech or Defamation?

While the government insists that the Facebook post crosses into criminal defamation, the PDP and civil liberty advocates argue this is an attack on free expression—especially in a democracy.

The PDP’s statement is the latest in a series of criticisms levelled at the Okpebholo-led administration, with the party accusing the governor of failing to deliver good governance and ignoring the people’s concerns.

What’s Next?

As the 24-hour deadline for a public apology looms, all eyes are on Mr. Ifaluyi-Isibor and whether legal action will follow. Meanwhile, the PDP has vowed to keep holding the government accountable—and protecting the right of citizens to speak out.

One thing’s clear: the political heat in Edo State just went up a notch.