As the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern over purported preparations by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to organize protests intended to destabilize the state, the political climate in Edo State is becoming more heated.
In a scathing statement released on Wednesday, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, the chairman of the State APC, charged that the PDP orchestrated the planned protests and warned that they are nothing more than a deliberate attempt to sow discord and disturb the tranquility under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s rule.
Tenebe did not hold back while denouncing what he called a cunning plot disguised as popular outrage.
“We have received credible intelligence regarding some sponsored protests being planned in some parts of Edo State, scheduled for this week.”
“We have reason to believe that these protests are not driven by genuine concerns of Edo State citizens but are, in fact, sponsored and orchestrated by certain individuals and some leaders of the dysfunctional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with ulterior motives aimed at disrupting the peace and stability of Edo State,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods to manipulate public sentiment ahead of the alleged protests.
“These patterns suggest that the intention is not to engage in constructive dialogue or to highlight legitimate issues, but rather to sow discord, incite unrest, and undermine the progress Edo State has been making since Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office as the Governor of Edo State.”
“The APC in Edo State has identified specific individuals and groups known to be involved. Their actions are clearly designed to create unnecessary tension and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order,” he cautioned.
Tenebe urged law-abiding citizens to remain vigilant and steer clear of the planned demonstrations, cautioning that security agencies have been placed on high alert.
“We will not allow any individual or group, regardless of their motives, to disrupt the peace and progress of Edo State. Law enforcement agencies have been told to be on high alert and will take all necessary measures within the ambit of the law to prevent any breakdown of order and to protect lives and property,” he declared.
The APC chairman also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to advise their wards against being used as political pawns.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used as pawns in the hands of those who seek to destabilise our State for their own selfish ends,” he warned.’
Chris Nehikhare, the PDP’s Caretaker Publicity Secretary in Edo State, quickly refuted the APC’s allegations and questioned the party’s legitimacy to send out security advisories.
“The APC cannot assume the authority to issue security alerts unless the government has officially transferred its security responsibilities to the party,” Nehikhare stated.
Taking a swipe at the ruling party, he accused the APC-led government of failing to address insecurity in the state.
“We are, however, not surprised by this development, as Edo State is currently ‘under siege.’ The government has provided no clues or indications that it can address the state of insecurity it has imposed on Edo State.”
“Unfortunately, in Edo, we have a case of a butterfly that thinks itself a bird,” he remarked.
