Benin City, Wednesday.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has vehemently denounced Senator Monday Okpebholo’s recent claims on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout. Okpebholo alleged that certain individuals were “mopping up money to go and bribe tribunal people,” a statement Ighodalo described as reckless, unfounded, and a dangerous attempt to blackmail the judiciary.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Erhabor Emokpae, and sent to Truth Live News International, Ighodalo condemned Okpebholo’s remarks as a calculated effort to manipulate public perception, intimidate the judiciary, and discredit a legal process he seemingly believes may not favour him. He dismissed the claims as entirely untrue, asserting that the judiciary’s integrity remains intact and impervious to baseless allegations.
“There is absolutely no truth to Okpebholo’s insinuation. It is a blatant falsehood, and he knows it. The members of the tribunal, more than anyone else, are aware that no such attempt has been made, would be made, nor could ever succeed. By making such a reckless statement, Okpebholo is merely attempting to discredit any judgment that does not go his way preemptively. It is the classic tactic of a sore loser crying wolf when there is none. The reality is simply that he did not win the people’s mandate,” Ighodalo stated.
He further expressed deep concern over the irresponsibility of making such grave accusations without evidence, emphasizing that Okpebholo’s words were designed to erode trust in the judiciary and mislead the public. He criticized the senator’s contradictory stance, professing faith in the judiciary while, on the other hand, accusing it of corruption.
“It is telling that Okpebholo, without evidence for his wild accusations, glibly relies on innuendo and divine invocation to justify his electoral delusions. His statement is riddled with contradictions: on the one hand, he claims to trust the judiciary and believes they will do the right thing; on the other, he attempts to smear them with baseless bribery allegations. Which is it? Either he respects the judiciary or does not,” Ighodalo queried.
He further noted that Okpebholo had not attended a single tribunal sitting. Yet, he made public declarations about a legal process he neither understands nor has the competence to comment on. He said this was a clear violation of judicial decorum, as discussing an ongoing case in such a manner is deeply sub judice.
Ighodalo urged the judiciary to note Okpebholo’s remarks, not because they hold any merit but because they expose a desperate strategy to delegitimize the tribunal’s proceedings. He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn reckless behaviour, emphasizing that true democracy is about upholding the rule of law, not attempting to manipulate its outcomes through baseless accusations.
“All must condemn this attempt to pressure the tribunal through public defamation. It is dangerous, reckless, and beneath the dignity of anyone who claims to be a leader. Okpebholo should be reminded that democracy is not about forcing a narrative but respecting the people’s will and the rule of law,” Ighodalo declared.
He reaffirmed his belief that the judiciary will not be swayed by misinformation or political intimidation but will remain steadfast in delivering justice based on facts and the law. He reiterated that Edo State and Nigeria deserve leaders who honour democratic principles rather than those who resort to fabrications, fear-mongering, and attempts to manipulate public sentiment.