The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State Chapter, Jarrett Tenebe, has attributed the recent attack on the council secretariat to ongoing internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, Tenebe clarified that the incident was not the result of any actions taken by the state governor, Monday Okpehbolo, who is known for his commitment to the rule of law.
Tenebe specifically addressed a statement from Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the factional PDP in Edo State, which made serious allegations against Governor Okpehbolo, accusing him of deploying thugs and armed individuals to launch attacks on three Local Government Area (LGA) headquarters.
“The statement wrongfully claimed that the Governor intended to forcibly take control of the council headquarters, in violation of court orders and injunctions,” Tenebe stated. “We feel it is our duty to clarify and present the factual events surrounding the situation.”
Following an in-depth investigation and collection of evidence from multiple sources, Tenebe strongly refuted the allegations against Governor Okpehbolo, characterizing them as unfounded and politically charged.
“It is crucial to recognize that the Governor has consistently shown dedication to the rule of law and maintaining democratic principles,” he added. “His administration is marked by good governance, transparency, and accountability, which has fostered respect from the people of Edo State.”
Further investigation revealed that the turmoil at the LGA headquarters stemmed from internal power struggles within local government councils, rather than actions instigated by the Governor or his representatives.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that rival factions were battling for control of the secretariats. “Discussions with numerous eyewitnesses confirmed that the violence was linked to these factions within the councils and the factional PDP vying for dominance,” Tenebe said.
He emphasized that the Okpehbolo administration has been actively working to mediate and resolve these conflicts to ensure peaceful and democratic governance at the local level.
Moreover, Tenebe reiterated that the Governor has adhered to all court orders and has been in dialogue with relevant authorities to uphold democratic processes and protect the rights of all parties involved. “We categorically denounce the PDP’s allegations as reckless and politically inspired,” he concluded.
