The spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has withdrawn his earlier remarks concerning Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, which he acknowledged might have appeared disrespectful to the governor.
Olajengbesi, in a statement, said he personally withdrew any comments that might have been perceived as insulting or disrespectful, stressing that political disagreements should not prevent public officials and political actors from respecting public institutions and the offices they occupy.
He, however, maintained that Okpebholo’s conduct during his visit to Osun State for the August 15 governorship election was, in his personal assessment, “very uncharitable”, but said the election was now over and the issue should not be allowed to overshadow the outcome of the poll.
The Imole Campaign Council spokesman advised the Edo governor to communicate more through his media aides and reduce the activities of what he described as “two overzealous cheerleaders” around him, whom he accused of constantly shouting, hyping and hailing the governor.
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Olajengbesi said several eminent Nigerians and respected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were in Osun during the election and worked diligently for their party without publicly disrespecting Governor Ademola Adeleke or diminishing the dignity of his office.
He said the conduct of the other political leaders demonstrated that partisan disagreements could be expressed without undermining the dignity attached to public offices.
According to him, his decision to withdraw the earlier remarks was intended to uphold civility and respect among political actors, particularly after the conclusion of the governorship election.
Olajengbesi, however, urged the people of Edo State to continue to hold Governor Okpebholo accountable, stressing that scrutinising the performance of elected officials remained a fundamental responsibility of citizens in a democracy.