By Senator Ehigie Uzamere
The reported statement, “death awaits you,” allegedly issued by the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, against Miss Blessing Agho, for criticising His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic society.
For the avoidance of doubt, Miss Blessing Agho is a Benin woman. Threatening her for expressing her views does not merely amount to political intimidation; it risks reopening old wounds and inflaming ethnic and tribal sensitivities in Edo State. Sensitivities that history has shown can easily spiral beyond anyone’s control.
I appeal directly to the Edo APC Chairman to exercise restraint and wisdom. Benin people should not be pushed into tribal politics, especially one that no single individual or party can ultimately contain or stop. Edo State has paid dearly in the past whenever politics was allowed to degenerate into ethnic suspicion and hostility.
The Chairman is urged to revisit history, particularly what transpired during the second term coming of the late Professor Ambrose Alli, as the governor of the then Bendel State and the unfortunate episode surrounding the infamous “BDxxxxK” narrative and its impact on the Esan people.
I am sure the governor would not support or approve this statement from his State Chairman. Those events left scars and lessons that should never be forgotten. History must guide us, not haunt us.
Democracy thrives on freedom of expression, tolerance, and accountability. Criticism of a President, Governor or any public office holder is not treason; it is a constitutional right and an essential pillar of good governance. Responding to criticism with threats, especially death threats, undermines democracy and portrays politics as warfare rather than service.
I therefore appeal strongly to you, Mr. Chairman, to withdraw this threat and publicly recommit yourself to peaceful, issue-based politics. The atmosphere is already tense, and reckless words can ignite avoidable crises. Edo State does not need fear-driven politics; it needs leadership anchored in maturity and responsibility.
Finally, once again, I appeal to the leadership of the Edo South APC to urgently caution their Chairman. Silence in moments like this can be interpreted as endorsement. Leadership demands timely intervention.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we remain one people, irrespective of our political affiliations. Parties may differ, opinions may clash, but our shared identity, peace, and coexistence must always come first.
Let us play politics where ideas, performance, and character matter, not intimidation; where tribes are respected but never weaponised.
Edo State belongs to all of us, and no political ambition is worth pushing the state to the brink.
The Benins are already tensed up. Wisdom today will prevent regret tomorrow.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere
