APC Chair declares ‘factional PDP’ security threat to governance in Edo

Edo APC Vice Chairman, Jarret Tenebe

Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has lambasted the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the State, over its allegation of alleged influence by Governor Monday Okpebholo on the impeachment of some local government chairmen and their vice chairmen.

The PDP in the state had on Tuesday, 31 December, blamed the Okpebholo’s government for the removal of the local government chairmen, describing it as “extermination of constitutional democracy”, lawlessness, and blatant disregard for the rule of law.

But, Tenebe, in a statement on Friday, described the PDP allegation as unfounded and libelous.

According to him, the suspension of the local government chairmen and vice chairmen by the House of Assembly was done to maintain order and stability in the State.

He said: “Governor Okpebholo has a responsibility to ensure that all the three tiers of government operate within the ambit of the law in the State. It is crucial to recognize that the government has a duty to protect the interests of the citizens and maintain public order.

“The Edo State Laws, as documented by the Ministry of Justice, provide a framework for the governance of the State. While the factional narcissistic PDP Caretaker Committee claims that the Governor’s actions are in breach of court injunctions and the Constitution, it is essential to consider the complexities of the situation.

“Rather than accusing the Governor of ‘lawlessness’ and ‘extermination of constitutional democracy’, the narcissistic factional PDP Caretaker Committee should engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions that promote the well-being of all Edo State citizens.”

The Edo APC chairman opined that the government, opposition parties, and civil society organizations should work together to address any perceived grievances and ensure that the democratic process is upheld.

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He further alleged that the people of the State are aware of the PDP’s tactics and are not swayed by their allegations.

He described PDP’s approach as a desperate attempt to discredit Governor Okpebholo and the State Government, rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

Tenebe stated further: “The narcissistic factional PDP is a dying party and must not be regarded. Under the watch of the PDP in Edo State, the biggest financial heist in history was committed by Godwin Obaseki. The narcissistic PDP was deaf and dumb then. The same lawless Obaseki, a PDP member, refused to swear in 14 out of 24 members of the House of Assembly for four years.

“The PDP government in Edo State removed and suspended chairmen of local governments. The same PDP government in Edo went rogue when it held sway and abused the rights of Edo people like never before. Houses and properties of members of the opposition were demolished despite valid court orders. Obaseki’s reign in Edo State was a sad reminder of the days of colonial slave traders, who blatantly abused the rights of the people. The PDP in Edo State is a party populated by people of questionable character.

“The same delusional factional PDP was deaf and blind to all the constitutional breaches and atrocities committed by the Obaseki-led regime. May Obaseki and the PDP not happen to Edo State again.

“The myopic leaders of the PDP in the State are still deluded that Edo people can be taken for a ride. With the suspension of corrupt chairmen of the 18 local government councils, the ongoing governorship tribunal case is wobbling because their source of funding, which was hitherto from the local government councils has been stopped.”

The Edo APC chair said the party was fully in support of the actions taken by the House of Assembly,even as he urged the various anti-graft agencies to recover alleged “stolen commonwealth in Edo, perpetuated by the PDP suspended petty thieves.”

“We also support steps taken by councillors across the various local government councils in the State who have decided to save their people by impeaching the corrupt and inept suspended chairmen.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo has a clear mandate. No distractions or blackmail can stop him. While we concede that as an opposition party, the factional chapter of the PDP can critique the activities of the Government, we will however, not allow the depleted narcissistic party to twist facts and wrongly accuse Governor Okpebholo,” he stated.