- This statement is dangerous and unacceptable, religious leaders should caution their followers – Bishop
- It’s an irresponsible statement, it should be condemned – Oshoma
The political temperature in Edo State, and indeed across Nigeria, rose sharply over the weekend following a controversial declaration by Jarret Tenebe, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, who openly stated that he “hates” Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Tenebe’s remarks, made at a press conference and later reinforced in a live television interview, have sparked outrage and ignited fresh debates about the limits of freedom of expression, responsible leadership, and the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The controversy began when Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, reportedly told a political rally last Friday that Peter Obi must seek his permission before visiting Edo State. In a show of support, Tenebe asserted that Obi is “well-hated” by many in Edo, himself included, adding that, “The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred people have for Peter Obi in the state, including me.” He further suggested that if Obi were to visit Edo, “people like us can be sent on errand out of Edo before he can come,” referencing unspecified past incidents where “people died” when Obi visited the state. When challenged during a live interview on TVC to substitute “dislike” for “hate,” Tenebe insisted, “The opposite of hate is love. If I don’t love you, I hate you… I do not hide my feelings. 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.”
His comments have triggered strong reactions across Nigeria’s socio-political space, with many warning against the dangers of reckless speech at a time when national unity remains fragile. Speaking exclusively to The Catholic Herald, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, Bishop of Yola Diocese, condemned Tenebe’s remarks as dangerous and unacceptable, warning that such utterances could incite crisis. “The problem with our country is that we have the law, but we don’t implement the law,” Bishop Mamza said firmly. “These people have no right, even the governor has no right at all to deprive Peter Obi from coming to Edo State. Peter Obi is a Nigerian, and he’s free to travel to anywhere in the country.”
The bishop further called on security agencies to interrogate Tenebe over threats to Obi’s safety. “Jarret Tenebe has no immunity. I expect security should go after him and interrogate him because anything that happens to Peter Obi now in Edo State, the governor and Jarret should be held responsible,” he added. He urged religious leaders across Nigeria to counter such divisive statements to prevent further disunity. “Religious leaders should caution their followers because this kind of statement can bring division and disunity within the country,” Bishop Mamza warned. “Peter Obi is an Igbo man. If the southeast reacts by barring politicians from the south-south, how will it look like? We all have a role to play in promoting peace and understanding.”
The bishop noted that such politically charged utterances were driven by fear of Obi’s popularity, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. “They know Peter Obi is loved across the country, and the more they do this kind of thing, the more acceptance and love he will get from Nigerians,” he stated, urging leaders to focus on delivering governance rather than fanning the flames of division. In his reaction, Liborous Oshoma, Legal Analyst and Public Affairs Commentator, described Tenebe’s comments as irresponsible, though he emphasised they remain within the bounds of constitutional freedom of expression.
“First and foremost, when we attach importance to statements from charlatans, they attach so much importance to themselves,” Oshoma observed. “Even if he says he hates Peter Obi, how does that help him? Tomorrow, if Obi becomes President, this same man will now say, ‘I have always loved him.’ That is why I don’t take such statements seriously.” However, he condemned the increasing normalisation of hate speech in Nigeria’s politics, describing it as morally reprehensible and socially dangerous. “Under Nigerian law, you can’t charge somebody for saying he hates another person. Those are mere expressions. It is when that hatred drives him to commit a crime against that person that it becomes actionable,” Oshoma explained.
He called for a return to the politics of civility, tolerance, and issue-based engagement. “We are no longer tolerant of each other’s views. We are so acerbic in our expressions, wishing leaders dead. These are not things we should encourage,” he cautioned. “Politics is a game; there will be winners and losers. Followers should stop creating enemies out of nothing while politicians themselves often remain friends behind the scenes.” Both Bishop Mamza and Oshoma agreed that Nigeria’s democracy faces a moral test as the country heads towards 2027. They urged political leaders to rise above bitterness and divisive rhetoric, set better examples for their followers, and uphold the constitutional rights and freedoms of every Nigerian, irrespective of their political parties.
