• Fingers PDP stalwarts in Uromi killings

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence that the Edo State governorship election tribunal sitting in Abuja would deliver its judgement in favour of its candidate in the election, Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the APC, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, expressed this optimism in Abuja yesterday ahead of the judgment of the tribunal slated for Wednesday.

“I am calling on all APC faithful in Edo State to remain calm. Our lawyers did a very good job and we believe in the judiciary. We believe they will do justice. We are hopeful of victory,” Tenebe said.

Speaking on the Uromi killings, Tenebe commended Governor Okpebholo’s handling of the recent Uromi killings, claiming that some members of the leading opposition party in the state—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—were behind it.

He said: “Their sinister objective is clear; they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.

“In their desperation, they have resorted to acts of sabotage, hoping to manipulate public perception and judicial sentiment in their favour.”

As part of their plan, they have enlisted disbanded members of the Edo State Security Network to orchestrate acts of violence, as seen in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

“Their aim was to falsely implicate the Edo State Government in these disruptions, creating a narrative that fosters chaos and sympathy for their failed cause.

“They are also exploiting the composition of the tribunal, where two of the three judges are from the North, hoping to sway their ruling through deceit and unrest.

“Their recent criticism of Governor Monday Okpebholo for travelling to Kano State to condole with victims’ families further exposes their involvement in the Uromi mayhem.

He added, “I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to liaise with embassies in countries where these PDP members reside and request their extradition for prosecution.

“Their hypocrisy and desperation know no bounds, but we will not be deceived,” Tenebe said.

The Edo APC Chairman urged security agencies to go after some identified members of the opposition and ensure they are promptly apprehended.

Terrorism and violent attacks against the peace of our nation cannot and will not be tolerated.

“As a political party, we are going to formally write to foreign missions, embassies, and other international bodies to extradite these fellows who keep inciting the public to commit acts of terrorism.

They must be repatriated to Nigeria in order to face terrorism charges.

“Let me make it categorically clear: no amount of blackmail, intimidation, or desperate orchestration will stop Governor Monday Okpebholo from emerging victorious at the tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

“The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhanded tactics.

“These antics will not weaken us; rather, they will only make Edo stronger. We will continue to stand firm in defence of democracy, justice, and the rule of law,” Tenebe said.