Former presidential candidate Peter Obi is hated in Edo and is not welcome, as his visit portends the death of residents in the state, says Jarrett Tenebe.

“I think the governor was right in saying that. Because we are saying that. The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred that people have for Peter Obi in this state, including me,” said Mr Tenebe. “When you have people—some, many of us—that have such hatred for people like that, most especially when they came to Edo State and people died, it is proper for him to tell the governor before he will come so that people like us can be sent on errand out of Edo before he can come and possibly go.”

Mr Tenebe, the chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo, stated this in support of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Mr Obi not to visit Edo without his knowledge or obtaining security clearance. 

“Well, since morning, when the primaries are going on, there have been criticisms all over the press over the statement the governor made yesterday when he was receiving the remaining PDP Edo Central, when he said Peter Obi has to take permission for his rallies,” he said in a video shortly after the APC primaries held at the weekend. 

The APC chief added, “I’m sure that was the reason the governor made that statement. And he is correct. We support him in whatever he said. So, whatever anybody is saying, they are just saying rubbish. 

“I want to send a message to people who call themselves ADC in this state. They should be very careful. Because we only have PDP remaining, not ADC. If you want to identify with ADC, you have to leave Edo for us.”

Mr Tenebe’s statement comes amid tension and criticism over the governor’s threat to Mr Obi not to visit Edo. 

“There is a new sheriff in town,” stated Mr Okpebholo. “He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he’s in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it.” 

However, Mr Okpebholo’s threat had generated harsh reactions and criticism, with calls on the governor to withdraw his statement. 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has asked Mr Okpebholo to withdraw the threat against the former presidential candidate, saying the Edo governor’s statement violated Section 33 of the Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement), which guarantees the fundamental right of every citizen to life.