Public affairs analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has strongly criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo. This follows the governor’s recent claim that Northerners engage in kidnappings as a strategy to win elections.
Shehu reacted via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the governor’s remark. He described it as both reckless and divisive, emphasizing its immediate negative implications.
According to Shehu, the governor’s comment was careless, and its underlying intention was evident. He questioned why Governor Okpebholo would single out the North. Shehu argued against stereotyping an entire region based on criminal activities. He asked if similar logic should apply to the South.
Shehu further stated that the governor’s comment revealed clear recklessness and profound ignorance. He suggested it indicated a mindset driven by regional bias and unnecessary hostility towards the North.
Shehu Challenges Governor’s Stance
In his rebuttal, Shehu challenged Governor Okpebholo’s logic. He posed a rhetorical question: “What about Internet hackers, bank fraud networks, and hard drugs merchants predominantly in the South? Are they doing so to rig elections or to divide Nigeria?”
Shehu continued to describe Governor Okpebholo in very strong terms. He called the governor a “cowardly, budget-ignorant miscreant, unable to read figures.” Shehu further implied that the governor was a “prisoner of geography, full of hate and venom,” whose remarks were deeply misguided and lacking understanding.
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