“People Can’t Afford DStv Due to Obaseki’s Mismanagement; No One in Edo Is Watching” – APC Chairman on Why Okpebholo Won’t Appear on TV

In a recent statement, Jarrett Tenebe, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of impoverishing the state’s residents to the point where many can no longer afford basic amenities like cable TV subscriptions. Tenebe made these remarks while explaining why Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s candidate in the upcoming Edo governorship election, has declined an interview request from Arise Television.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship election in Edo for September 21, 2024. In the lead-up to the election, Arise TV’s ‘Morning Show’ has been inviting the top candidates to discuss their policies and vision for the state. While Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) and Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have appeared on the show, Okpebholo has so far declined the invitation.

During his appearance on the Arise TV show on Thursday, Tenebe attributed Okpebholo’s decision to the financial hardship in Edo, which he claims has been exacerbated under Governor Obaseki’s leadership. According to Tenebe, the economic situation in the state is so dire that many residents can no longer afford to subscribe to cable TV services like DStv and GOtv, reducing the potential audience for such interviews.

“We have about 80,000 people in Edo who are supposedly able to get DStv, but not even 300 can connect because of how Obaseki has impoverished the state,” Tenebe remarked. “People are struggling to feed, let alone pay for internet or TV subscriptions.”

Tenebe further suggested that if Arise TV wants Okpebholo to participate in the interview, they should consider subsidizing the cost of subscriptions for Edo residents, as the current economic climate has left many unable to access such services. He emphasized that the APC candidate is focused on addressing the root causes of poverty in Edo and is cautious about engaging in platforms that may not reach the intended audience.