The political landscape in Edo State has been significantly stirred by Jarret Tenebe, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, who has unequivocally declared his “hatred” for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Tenebe’s controversial remarks, made at a press conference over the weekend and reiterated in a subsequent live television interview, have ignited a debate about freedom of expression and political discourse in Nigeria.
The controversy began last Friday when Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reportedly stated at a political rally that Peter Obi must seek his clearance before visiting the state. Supporting the governor’s stance, Tenebe asserted during a press conference that Obi is “well-hated” by many in Edo State, including himself.
“The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred people have for Peter Obi in the state including me,” Tenebe stated. He further suggested that if Obi were to visit, “people like us can be sent on errand out of Edo before he can come.” He also alluded to past incidents where “people died” when Obi visited Edo State, although specific details were not provided in the report.
Tenebe stood firm on his comments during a live interview on TVC, rejecting the host’s suggestion that “dislike” would be a more appropriate term than “hate.”
“The opposite of hate is love. If I don’t love you, I hate you,” Tenebe declared. “I do not hide my feelings. I do not like Peter Obi. I still maintain it, and if I do not like somebody, I hate the person.” He further elaborated on his strong stance, stating, “I don’t stay in the middle; I am an extremist. I do not like Peter Obi; I hate him. I have the right to like or hate.”
The Edo APC Chairman defended his remarks by citing the Nigerian constitution, emphasizing his right to freedom of expression. “The constitution of Nigeria is clear on freedom of expression. I can express how I feel about somebody,” he argued. “The constitution does not say, ‘Don’t hate somebody’ or that you must not hate someone. So I can decide to hate or love somebody.”
Tenebe’s outspoken comments have sparked considerable discussion on social media and among political observers, highlighting the intense political rivalries and freedom of speech considerations within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
