EDO APC CONVENTION: The Imminent Battle Between Jarret Tenebe and Lawrence Okah

OPINION: By David John, Dr. Michael Osarunmwense

The upcoming Edo APC Convention has sparked intense interest as two of the party's key figures, Jarret Tenebe and Lawrence Okah, emerge as leading contenders with vested interest on who emerge as chairman of the party 

Emperor Jarret Tenebe once ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, but his reign is remembered more for its downfall than its glory. Known for his arrogance and distrust, he isolated himself from his advisors and dismissed warnings about looming threats. 

His obsession with expanding his empire led him to neglect the welfare of his people, causing widespread suffering and unrest.In one notorious incident, Tenebe ordered the destruction of a sacred forest to build a fortress, ignoring the pleas of his environmental stewards and religious leaders. This act sparked rebellion among the locals, further destabilising his rule.

 Some school of thought says His inability to unite the nobles led to infighting and betrayal, eventually resulting in a coup that forced him into exile.

However the school of thought believe that Tenebe's legacy is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and neglect, overshadowing any achievements he may have had during his reign by even fighting some of his leaders 

Going by his history, Emperor Jarret Tenebe is been viewed in some quarters especially the etsako area as can't be trusted with full leadership position, especially in a democratic environment like the All Progressives Congress, APC. But the question is, can Emperor Jarret Tenebe be able to pilot the affairs of the party as a state chairman, following his antecedents? 

Tenebe has been indulge in using uncouth language, threatening words and undemocratic system. Moreover, he lacks the ability to organise the party and managing internal democracy within the party. 

Tenebe's leadership in acting capacity as APC State Chairman has been characterised by so many dramatic turn around which has the tendency to tear the party apart. It is dangerous to entrust a substantive leadership position to such man who lacks democratic ethos and principles. From his relationship with party leaders in the state, it is evident that he can not steer the boat and should not be considered for such sensitive position for the state. 

However Both Lawrence Okah and Emperor Jarret hold significant positions within the Edo State APC leadership—while Jarret currently serves as the Acting State Chairman, elevated from Deputy State Chairman, Lawrence Okah is the party Secretary, a role vital to the organizational strength of the APC in Edo State. 

It is known fact that Jarret Tenebe assumed the Acting Chairmanship following internal party shifts and defections, specifically after the departure of the former Chairman Col. David Imusi who retired to become a governorship aspirant 

Also The recent comment by the state chairman of APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe to give former council chairmen who were unceremoniously disengaged by the previous administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki the right of first refusal seems to have created disquiet amongst the ranks and files of both leaders and loyalists in the party as Lawrence Okah is already capitalising on such to Garner more support from the core APC members.

This statement alone, does not go down well with members which elicited vehement criticisms and backlash, calling on Tenebe to quickly renege on that stands for the unity and progress of the party-APC. If he stands a chance to continue as Edo APC chairman as his secretary Lawrence Okah is already cornering stakeholders in the party to enable him grab the number one seat of the party.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Okah’s role as Secretary, especially from Edo South has been viewed as successful as he has expressed optimism of clinching the Chairmanship seat of Edo APC since he claims to have the backing of the state governor and the experience even as local government Chairman 

They both have vested interest on becoming the party Chairman in the forthcoming convention coming up in the state

However the LG primaries has a big role to play as it is likely to determine who become the Chairman of Edo APC as it will show out of the two who is more grounded in the party 

It is pertinent for leaders in the party in Edo State to wade into the imminent fight that may ensue in the coming days to save the party from unpreventable collapse and becoming an object of loosing elections in the state like its counterpart- the PDP.

However another school of thought are saying that what could also work against Jarret is his undemocratic utterances and way of addressing issues by using toxic languages that looks more of tyrannic nature which is a contrast to the cool and calm nature of Lawrence Okah.

However the stage is now set for the Incubent Edo State APC chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe and the secetary Lawrence Okah to test their political and popularity strength among APC stakeholders over the Chairmanship seat few weeks from now.

But weighing the two options of Okah and Tenebe by their antecedents, Lawrence Okah appears to be at the front because he has been able to pilot the affairs of the party for years as a state secretary without crisis and rancour but Tenebe's few time of leadership even in acting capacity has been fraught with incessant internal crisis and rancourous situations in the party.

David John is a political Analysts and Dr. Michael Osarunmwense, a University Don