A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo Central Senatorial District, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has insisted he has no plan whatsoever to disrupt Saturday’s bye-elections as falsely alleged by Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe.
Tenebe had issued a statement alleging that Inegbeniki was mobilizing youths from neighboring states to disrupt the elections on Saturday in Esanland (Edo Central Senatorial District).
The APC chieftain also alleged that Inegbeniki was involved in the murder of police Inspector Unoh Akor.
But, in his reaction on Friday, Inegbeniki described the allegations made by Tenebe as malicious, false, and misleading.
“My attention has been drawn to a libelous press release signed by a self-styled Emperor Jarret Tenebe, where my name was mentioned as one of those mobilizing thugs to disrupt the Saturday election in Esanland (Edo Central Senatorial District).
“I take exception to that reckless statement coming from the mouth of a deserter soldier man. Jarret has become a disgrace to the APC. He is known for his reckless talks; he talks before thinking.”
Inegbeniki urged all peace-loving people of Edo Central Senatorial District to go about their civic duties by going out to vote on Saturday.
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“The APC must begin to watch the activities of Jarret Tenebe. He is known in the past to make this kind of reckless statement so that APC can release money to him to counter the so-called imaginary thugs; this must be one of such statements to collect money from APC.
“Once again, I deny any involvement in the death of the Policeman, Inspector Unoh Akor. I was not on Airport Road on the day of the incident, nor did I plan or conspire with anyone.
“I am innocent of the allegations. It is now clear that it was Jarret Tenebe who framed up the allegations against me just to smear my hard-earned reputation. I was not involved.
“Being an innocent and law-abiding Nigerian, I have already instituted a libel action against Jaret Tenebe and his cohorts. We are in court, and I believe I will get justice,” he added.