Kehinde Fajobi
The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo after the governor struggled to articulate budget figures during the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
In a widely circulated video, Governor Okpebholo appeared flustered as he attempted multiple times to state the budget’s total figure accurately.
He was heard saying, “The Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill of 6 billion… 650… 605 billion… 76 thou… 76 million… Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.”
The clip quickly gained traction on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. However, Tenebe dismissed the backlash, describing the incident as a natural human mistake.
In a video message shared by Edo Updates on X.com on Wednesday, Tenebe said, “Social media has been agog with our governor’s budget presentation about a mistake on 650 billion and the rest of it all.
“It’s a normal thing. Humans make such mistakes, and a lot of people make such mistakes.”
He further praised Governor Okpebholo’s integrity, suggesting the mishap demonstrated his honesty.
“That is how to know original and innocent people. Monday is not a thief, so he’s not familiar with figures,” Tenebe remarked.
The APC chairman urged critics to focus on the governor’s achievements instead of the presentation gaffe.
He added, “He’s the governor of the state, he’s performing, and he will continue to perform. And anybody who does not like his face should go to hell and burn to ashes, period, and thank you.”
Governor Okpebholo had presented the proposed 2025 budget, estimated at ₦605 billion, marking a 25 per cent increase from the previous year’s budget.
The Appropriation Bill was titled the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.”