As a journalist and concerned observer of Edo State’s political evolution, I feel compelled to respond to the tactless and politically vindictive press release, No.123/EDSGH/2025, issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
While it is perfectly within the Governor’s rights to acknowledge a favorable court ruling, the tone, language, and intent of the release go far beyond celebration. It is soaked in sarcasm, reeking of immature gloating, and lacking the dignity that should define the office of a state governor. Referring to Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a respected technocrat and opposition candidate, as “abandoned” is not only uncharitable, it is malicious and beneath the standards of civil political discourse.
The judiciary whose verdict Governor Okpebholo now gleefully embraces is the same institution that once shocked the nation by declaring a candidate who came fourth in an election as governor. In a nation where public trust in the judicial system is eroding rapidly, celebrating such rulings with exaggerated triumphalism is not only tone deaf but insulting to the intelligence of millions of Nigerians who continue to question the credibility of electoral justice.
It is equally alarming that the press secretary chose to label Mr. Ighodalo’s legitimate pursuit of justice at the Supreme Court as an “abuse of court processes.” This statement betrays a gross misunderstanding of democratic norms and legal rights. Seeking redress through the courts is not abuse, it is a constitutional right. If anything is being abused here, it is the integrity of public communication.
More troubling, however, is the sheer crudeness with which the press release was crafted. Fred Itua, as the Governor’s spokesperson, has demonstrated a glaring lack of finesse and professionalism expected from someone in his position. He desperately needs a tutorial on the principles of **contemporary media representation**, as well as **mature, civilised public relations etiquette**. Political communication, especially from a governor’s office, should reflect poise, balance, and statesmanship, not pedestrian jibes and partisan bile.
True leadership is measured by magnanimity in victory and grace under pressure. What Edo people deserve at this critical juncture is unifying rhetoric and purposeful governance, not petty propaganda and needless antagonism. This press release fails to reflect the aspirations of a state that ought to be focused on healing, progress, and inclusive development.
Fred Itua and the Governor’s media team should understand that public trust is earned through humility, not hubris. The people of Edo State deserve better than this disgraceful outburst cloaked as a government communication.
Let history record that at a time when statesmanship was required, all they had to offer was political bitterness and bombast.
Darlington Okpebholo Ray
Journalist and Political Commentator
Writing from London, England