One of the aspirants under the platform of the Labour Party in Edo, Chief Daniel Matthews has accused Monday Okpebholo, the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of intellectual theft.
Chief Matthews, who exclusively spoke to TRIBUNE ONLINE Monday, alleged that Okpebholo ‘stole’ his visionary plans he had designed in his manifesto when he was vying for governor.
Okpebholo, in his five-point agenda, had said he would turn around the fortune of the state if he emerges governor of Edo.
“I have to solicit your support to become the party’s candidate, your support for me is support for our children and children yet unborn.
“I want to see the realisation of the Edo of our dreams and make Edo a smart city. If we all come together as one we cannot lose any election,” he was quoted as saying.
Reacting, Chief Matthew described the act as “political policy and ideology theft”.
“They copied my policy draft and change some few things around,” the LP chieftain told our reporter in a telephone chat.
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Lending his voice on the matter, a critical theorist and educationist Patrick Obikwu also claimed there is a striking similarity between Sen. Okpebholo’s purported 5-point plan and the comprehensive 19-page policy framework outlined by Chief Matthews.
“Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the purported 5-point plan of Senator Monday Okpebholo bears striking resemblance to the comprehensive 19-page policy framework outlined by High Chief Dr. Daniel A. E. Matthews. The similarities between the two documents are so profound that they raise serious doubts about the originality and capacity of Senator Monday to lead Edo State effectively.
“Firstly, a cursory analysis reveals overlapping themes and objectives between the two documents. Senator Monday’s 5-point plan, which ostensibly outlines his vision for governance in Edo State, appears to mirror key elements of High Chief Dr. Daniel A. E. Matthews’ detailed policy framework. From education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development to security, the alignment between the two agendas is too close to dismiss as mere coincidence.
“Moreover, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes apparent that Senator Monday’s 5-point plan seems to be comprised of selected excerpts and paraphrased ideas extracted directly from High Chief Dr. Daniel A. E. Matthews’ extensive policy framework. The resemblance between specific points, language, and even structural elements suggests a lack of original thought on the part of Senator Monday, raising questions about his intellectual integrity and authenticity as a leader.
“Furthermore, the uncanny similarities between the two documents cast doubt on Senator Monday’s capacity to govern Edo State effectively. If his purported vision for the state is derived largely from the work of another individual, it calls into question his ability to develop and implement innovative policies tailored to the unique needs and challenges facing the people of Edo,” he wrote.
