The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has firmly stood by his recent comments accusing Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, of corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
This development comes after the Edo State Asset Verification Committee and the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee released reports that indicted Ighodalo, who served as the economic adviser to former Governor Godwin Obaseki for eight years.
Tenebe’s remarks have sparked controversy and drawn the attention of Ighodalo’s legal team. On December 11, 2024, lawyers from the Banwo and Ighodalo law firm in Lagos sent a formal letter to Tenebe, demanding an apology and a retraction of his comments. They described Tenebe’s statements as defamatory, requesting that he retract his accusations within seven days.
Despite the legal pressure, Tenebe remains resolute in his defense. He insists that his comments were justified, citing the reports from the committees that implicated Ighodalo in questionable financial dealings during his time as economic adviser to Obaseki.
“I stand by my words,” Tenebe said in a statement. “The reports from both the Asset Verification Committee and the Vehicle Recovery Committee clearly suggest misconduct, and I believe it is my duty to speak out as the APC Chairman in Edo State.”
The controversy began with a viral video in which Tenebe was quoted making strong allegations against Ighodalo, claiming that the PDP candidate was involved in corruption. In the video, Tenebe compared Ighodalo’s alleged actions to those of other public figures accused of financial wrongdoing.
Tenebe also commented on a recent mistake made by Governor Obaseki during his budget presentation, noting that such errors were common in politics. However, he went further to claim that both Obaseki and Ighodalo had been involved in corrupt practices.
“Obaseki will not make such mistakes because he has stolen billions before,” Tenebe said in the video. “Asue Ighodalo will not make such mistakes because he has stolen billions before.”
These words have now become the subject of legal scrutiny. Ighodalo’s lawyers have demanded that Tenebe apologize publicly and retract his statements, accusing him of defamation.
In their letter to Tenebe, Ighodalo’s legal team argued that the comments made in the video were damaging to Ighodalo’s reputation and career. They also warned Tenebe that failure to comply with their demands would result in legal action.
However, Tenebe is undeterred by the legal threats. In a response issued on December 17, 2024, through his lawyer Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, Tenebe made it clear that he would not be retracting his statements.
“The comments made by our client are well within his rights to free speech as a citizen of Nigeria,” Agbomhere said in the letter. “We further maintain that no defamation occurred, and there is no need for any public apology or retraction.”
Agbomhere also noted that Tenebe would rely on the defense of justification if the matter proceeded to court. He pointed to the reports from both the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee and the Edo State Asset Verification Committee, which they argue provide evidence to support Tenebe’s claims.
“We have no doubt that these reports will serve as a strong defense in court,” Agbomhere added. “Our client will not be intimidated by threats of legal action. He remains committed to speaking the truth as he sees it.”
The controversy over Tenebe’s comments highlights the growing tension between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP in Edo State. As the state approaches its gubernatorial election, both parties are engaged in a bitter battle for political control, with allegations of corruption and misconduct being frequently raised by both sides.
Ighodalo, who served as economic adviser to former Governor Obaseki, has become a central figure in the race for the governorship seat. His critics have pointed to his role in Obaseki’s administration as a potential source of controversy, while his supporters argue that he has the experience and vision needed to lead the state.
The accusations of corruption against Ighodalo, coupled with the reports from the state’s verification committees, have only intensified the political battle in Edo State. With the election fast approaching, the allegations and counterclaims are expected to play a significant role in shaping public opinion.
As the legal dispute between Tenebe and Ighodalo continues, both sides are digging in their heels. Tenebe’s refusal to apologize or retract his statements suggests that the APC will continue to press its accusations against Ighodalo, while the PDP remains determined to defend its candidate’s reputation.
In the midst of these tensions, Edo State voters are left to decide who they believe is fit to lead the state. With corruption accusations and legal threats dominating the conversation, it remains to be seen how this controversy will influence the outcome of the upcoming election.
The unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in Nigerian politics, where accusations of corruption can shape the fortunes of political figures and parties alike. As the legal battle rages on, all eyes will be on the courts and the political arena to see how this conflict is resolved.
