Whose Report Do We Believe?
The recent interactive session between the APC candidate in the coming Edo governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo aka Akpakomiza and some carefully selected audience in Maryland, USA, has elicited a lot of controversies especially concerning his response to the question in respect of the palace controversies,
The senator was quoted by his media aide, Henry J to have advised the Oba of Benin and all others to take the interest of the state above their personal differences. This has provoked a lot of negative reactions from most Edo citizens who see this advice as a sacrilege.
In a bid to do some damage controls, APC spin doctors, Prince Kaszim Afegbua and John Mayaki have come up with different versions of the answer by the candidate,
Hear the different spins below.
Senator Okpebholo took the stage, his presence commanding attention and respect. With a warm smile, he began to share his vision for Edo State, outlining strategies to address pressing issues such as:
1. Insecurity: “Senator Okpebholo emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity, involving community engagement, intelligence gathering, and effective policing.”
2. Oba Palace drama with Obaseki: “He called for unity and reconciliation, urging all parties to put the interest of Edo State above personal differences ”
Henry J writes from Maryland, USA
According to him; “before the advent of modern administration, the traditional institutions were the anchor of governance and administration in most communities in Nigeria. In fact, the Benin Empire is larger in size and influence than the present Edo state. Any serious-minded Governor who understands our traditional institutions should naturally accord respect to our traditional rulers, and in Edo state, the Oba of Benin, undoubtedly takes a pre-eminent position. If I become an elected Governor by the good people of Edo State, I will constantly consult with the great Oba of Benin and other traditional rulers across the state before taking major policy decisions. Our traditional rulers are the custodian of our value system and culture.”
*Prince Kassim Afegbua*
Okpebholo said, “The Oba is the father of all. You cannot drag him out into the market square and later pretend to want to settle with him in secret. This is a sacrilege. When I become governor, I will do things differently and consult the Oba on every issue concerning the people and the state.”
*John Mayaki*
People have requested the APC to post the video so that the right version can be seen. This they have refused to do but instead have embarked on spinning different versions to contradict Henry J.
In the meantime, the version of Henry J, who claimed to have been live at the venue in Maryland is the one we should believe.
Amb. Tony Okonigene writes live from Irrua
