Tension and political heat continue to rise in Edo State as the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has publicly defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s controversial remarks concerning Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Last Friday, Governor Okpebholo made headlines after saying that Peter Obi must always seek permission from him before entering Edo State.
His statement sparked heavy criticism from Nigerians, many of whom interpreted it as a threat or an attempt to restrict the former presidential candidate’s freedom of movement.
However, in a surprising twist, Tenebe backed the governor’s comments at a press conference over the weekend.
The APC chairman claimed that Obi is deeply disliked by many in Edo, including himself, and insisted that the governor was right to make such a statement.
In his words, “There have been a lot of criticism all over the press about the statement the governor made… where he said that Peter Obi has to take permission before he visits and I think the governor was right in saying that.”
According to Tenebe, the need for permission stems from concerns for safety and public order due to the resentment allegedly held by some residents of the state.
He added, “The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred people have for Peter Obi in the state including me… when they came to Edo state and people d!ed, it is proper for him to tell the governor before he comes so that people like us can be sent on errand out of Edo before he can come and possibly go.”
Peter Obi’s visits to various states often draw large crowds and massive attention.
Meanwhile, Tenebe didn’t stop at addressing Obi’s presence in the state.
He also used the platform to send a warning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioning their relevance in Edo politics.
“I also want to send a message to people who call themselves ADC in the state that they should be very careful,” he said. “If you want to identify with ADC, you have to leave Edo for us. That is the message to them.”
The comments have since added a new layer of controversy and division in the already heated Edo political climate.
Moreover, the statement by the APC chairman suggests that the ruling party may be preparing for more aggressive political battles as the next election season draws nearer.
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