The Edo State Government has dismissed a recent demand from the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to place Governor Godwin Obaseki on a security watch list. The call, issued in anticipation of a nationwide protest planned by youths for August 1, 2024, aimed to address economic hardships across the country.
APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe made the request, citing allegations that Governor Obaseki had threatened severe action, including arson, if the Federal Government did not address claims of APC members' involvement in an attack at Benin Airport. Tenebe’s statement, titled "The All Progressives Congress Alerts Federal Government to Put Governor Obaseki on Security Watch," detailed concerns about alleged interactions between Obaseki, civil society groups, and cultists, suggesting these could lead to destabilizing protests.
According to Tenebe, the governor’s alleged plan was to incite chaos in Edo State and neighboring South-South states, blaming the APC for any resulting destruction. He criticized the Edo State House of Assembly for not addressing these claims and called for a comprehensive investigation by the National Security Adviser, including possible changes to Obaseki’s security arrangements.
In addition to calling for the governor's movements to be restricted, Tenebe also demanded the resignation of Edo State Commissioner of Police Funsho Adegboye. He accused Adegboye of partisanship related to the Benin Airport incident, where a police inspector was killed. Tenebe urged Adegboye to follow the example of Kimberly Cheatle, the former head of the U.S. Secret Service, who resigned after failing to prevent an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Reacting to the APC's demands, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare condemned the call as "unfortunate and disgusting." He pointed out that APC members, who were reportedly involved in violent incidents, were not held accountable or placed on any watch list, highlighting what he described as an irony in the APC’s position.
Nehikhare criticized the APC for focusing on political maneuvering rather than addressing the real issues facing the state, including the alleged breaches of public peace by APC members. The exchange underscores the escalating political tensions in Edo State as the nation prepares for the upcoming protests and broader political discourse.
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