Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confer a national honour on him for discovering and supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo, whom he described as “one of Nigeria’s brightest political assets.”
Speaking in Benin City during a grand event marking Governor Okpebholo’s one-year anniversary in office, Tenebe said the governor has brought peace, unity, and development to Edo State, transforming the political landscape once dominated by “division and rancour.”
The event, attended by top APC leaders, senators, ministers, traditional rulers, and the Oba of Benin, was filled with glowing tributes. But Tenebe’s fiery and humorous speech stood out, as he likened Okpebholo’s leadership to a miracle of reconciliation.
“Two weeks ago in Uromi, I saw something I never thought possible,” he said. “On one podium stood Governor Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, General Cecil Esekhaigbe, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and Dr. Pius Odubu — all together as one. That is what leadership means.”
He recalled a “tourist scene” in Singapore where “a cat and a mouse were feeding from the same plate,” saying the imagery perfectly captured the peace and unity Okpebholo has brought to Edo politics.
“Anyone who can bring such powerful leaders together deserves national recognition,” Tenebe declared. “If you can unite Edo, you can unite Nigeria. Governor Okpebholo is not just a state leader; he is a national asset.”
He also praised Okpebholo’s quick intervention in a communal clash in Uromi, which he said showcased the governor’s calm and inclusive leadership style.
Turning to President Tinubu, Tenebe made a playful yet passionate appeal: “Mr. President, I beg you — for the unity this man has brought to Edo and the leadership he is showing, please recognise him. And for me,” he added with a smile, “since I discovered this rare gem, I too deserve a national honour.”
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause as Tenebe contrasted Okpebholo’s administration with what he described as the “evil and divisive era of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.”
“What we have now is peace replacing rancour, light replacing darkness,” he said. “Governor Okpebholo has restored dignity and given Edo people a reason to hope again.”