Daniel Edah, candidate for the 2026 presidential election, spoke out this Sunday, June 29, 2025, on Bip Radio about the recent public accusations made by ex-minister Paulin Akponna. He believes that Akponna’s statements were neither appropriate nor in accordance with the government’s operational rules.
The politician Daniel Edah lamented the way the now ex-minister Paulin Akponna publicly aired serious allegations about embezzlement of public funds, without following, according to him, internal procedures.
“It isn’t suitable for a serving minister to speak out publicly on government affairs when it comes to making accusations. There are rules governing an organization and all the more so a government,” he stated.
Daniel Edah believes that a minister should first turn to the head of government in case of malfunction. “One would imagine that the head of government had already addressed the issue with the minister, which would have given the latitude to the minister to voice his opinions. But if he was dismissed, this indicates that somehow things did not follow protocol,” he continued.
While acknowledging the importance of criticizing wrongdoings, Daniel Edah points out that a minister’s role isn’t to publicly accuse, but to execute governmental tasks. “I am from the opposition, but this isn’t a reason to encourage potential chaos,” he asserted.
However, Daniel Edah believes that despite the clumsy delivery, the underlying issues merit legal scrutiny.
“What has happened is not good, but there is the substance that the minister has brought to light. Is it true? Is it false? This is an opportunity for justice to show its good faith to the people of Benin.”
As a reminder, Paulin Akponna was dismissed from his duties on Friday, June 27, 2025, after publicly addressing the alleged embezzlement of tens of billions of CFA francs during an event in Parakou.
In a statement released after his dismissal, he acknowledged the seriousness of his words, apologized to his predecessor Samou Seïdou Adambi, the President of the Republic, and the whole government, admitting a “grievous political blunder” and a “communication mistake.”
For his part, Daniel Edah calls for allowing justice to do its job and encourages the government to prove its transparency in the management of public affairs.