The notorious Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, once again displayed his desperation to obstruct justice by mobilizing thugs to invade the venue of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday, January 20, 2025. However, firm instructions from Abuja and the vigilance of security operatives thwarted his plans, allowing proceedings to continue without the usual harassment orchestrated by Tenebe and his cohorts.
For the first time since the tribunal commenced, the atmosphere was devoid of the intimidation and chaos that have characterized the APC’s approach. This shameful trend reached a boiling point on Sunday when Tenebe, in a brazen display of impunity, went on national television to issue threats against the witnesses and supporters of the petitioners, Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and his legal team.
Tenebe’s televised threats, which the petitioners have now submitted as evidence to the court, explicitly promised to ensure that PDP witnesses would be prevented from attending Monday’s session. Acting on these threats, thugs hired by the APC chairman were spotted near the court premises, but their efforts were thwarted by determined security agents who ensured that law and order prevailed.
Inside the courtroom, the petitioners, led by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the PDP, presented a schedule of witnesses in the petition marked *EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024.* The APC’s strategy of delaying proceedings was quickly exposed when the respondents’ legal team immediately requested an adjournment, citing the late submission of the witness schedule.
Kanu Agabi, SAN, representing the APC, argued that the delay in submission warranted an adjournment. However, Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, counsel to the PDP, countered this claim by pointing out that the delay was a direct result of the hostile environment created by the APC chairman’s threats. Oyeyipo stated, “My Lord, the 3rd respondent state chairman made a public broadcast where he threatened to apprehend our witnesses and supporters in court. We have the video, and we shared it with the respondents’ lead counsels yesterday. This forced us to adjust our order of presentation this morning, though our documents remain unchanged.”
Despite these explanations, the Tribunal granted the adjournment, and proceedings were rescheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Jarret Tenebe’s brazen disregard for the rule of law has become a stain on Edo State politics. His continuous deployment of intimidation tactics, harassment, and open threats against judicial processes not only undermines democracy but also exposes the APC’s desperation in the face of a solid and evidence-backed petition by the PDP.
The actions of the security agencies on Monday should serve as a precedent for ensuring that justice is allowed to take its course without interference. It is a clear indication that no individual, no matter how powerful or connected, should be allowed to turn a courtroom into a battleground for thuggery.
Edo people deserve better than the toxic politics of violence and intimidation championed by Tenebe. It is time for the APC Chairman to face the full weight of the law for his actions and threats, which have no place in a democratic society.
As the tribunal resumes tomorrow, the hope is that security will remain steadfast in protecting the sanctity of the court and ensuring that justice prevails. The people of Edo State are watching, and the judiciary must rise above the antics of those who seek to corrupt its processes.