Governor Okpehbolo reveals what late Anenih told him many years ago

Ahead of the Edo State Governorship tribunal judgement fixed for today, Wednesday April 2, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, has revealed what late Chief Tony Anenih, told him many years ago, saying the former Minister of Works and Chieftain of PDP, Chief Anenih, advised him: “When you are faced with several battles at the same time, and you do not have the resources to fight them all, you focus on the one that carries the greatest consequence if you lose."

Governor Okpehbolo, who made the revelation this morning, Wednesday April 2, on his X handle, in a series of tweets titled: ‘The Battle I couldn’t afford to lose’, noted: “There are moments in life when you are faced with multiple battles—each screaming for your attention, each pulling you in a different direction. It is in such times that wisdom, not emotions, must lead.

“Many years ago, I stood with Chief Tony Anenih in the car park of his home in Uromi, watching him navigate a storm of political battles. What surprised me was how calm he remained, almost too calm, except for one particular issue that seemed to occupy his mind. Curious, I asked him why.

“He started, " Akpakomiza," as he called me. "In life, when you are faced with several battles at the same time, and you do not have the resources to fight them all, you focus on the one that carries the greatest consequence if you lose."

“I never forgot those words.

“On March 28, when the tragic incident in Uromi happened, that weight of leadership every leader knows became heavier. I was bombarded from all sides with diverse concerns.

"Your Excellency, you must not be seen standing against your people!

"You can’t blame them; they’ve suffered enough at the hands of criminals.

"You are the Governor of Edo State. Why are you going to beg northerners?

"You must bring the perpetrators to book. Justice must be served!

“On Friday night while receiving a briefing from one of the security agents, he said gravely, “Your Excellency, we should expect possible reprisals in the North… and even within Edo Central.

“At that moment, I knew which battle I could not afford to lose.

“I imagined families in the North, watching that gruesome video—seeing their sons, fathers, brothers, hacked down in a foreign land, far from home. The shock, the anger, the calls for revenge.

“I imagined the innocent traders, students, and workers from Edo traveling through or living in Northern states—becoming sudden targets of retaliation for something they knew nothing about.

“I imagined chaos—reprisal killings in the North, counter-reactions in the South, travelers afraid to journey through parts of Nigeria, and our nation once again thrown into unnecessary bloodshed.

“No. That was the battle I could not lose.

“So, at 4:00AM on Saturday, I left Abuja by road for Uromi. I needed to look my people in the eyes, not just read reports on a desk. I needed to hear their frustrations, their anger, and their fears.

“I ensured the bodies of the slain were recovered and transported back to their grieving families. I ensured the injured survivors received treatment and were safely reunited with their loved ones. I charged security agencies to go after the perpetrators.

“I engaged our northern brothers in Edo. I assured them that the actions of a few did not define our people. I believe a true leader does not let emotions blind him from doing what is right. Edo people are known for their hospitality, not hatred. That point had to be established.

“I knew the matter could not end in Uromi. I flew back to Abuja to brief the President and met with security chiefs to ensure national coordination. I engaged critical northern stakeholders, including Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, to seek lasting peace.

“But I needed to go further. I had to face the grieving families directly.

“So, I travelled to Kano State to meet Governor @Kyusufabba Abba Kabir Yusuf, a man whose understanding and generosity in this situation I deeply appreciate. Together, we drove over two hours to Bankure Local Government, where the families of the deceased were mourning.

“I will never forget that moment. The pain in their eyes. The way mothers held pictures of their sons, the weight of sorrow in their voices as they spoke. I had no words to erase their grief, but I had the responsibility to show that Edo State stands against what happened.
I reminded them that many northerners have lived in Edo for decades, just as many Edo indigenes have lived in Kano and across the North. We are all Nigerians. Hate cannot solve this.

“I offered compensation to the grieving families—not because money can replace a life, but because responsibility must be taken. I also met with the Edo and Southern communities in Kano to strengthen peace and assure them of their safety.

“Now, let me be clear—justice will be served. The 14 individuals responsible will face the full weight of the law. That is non-negotiable. Anyone who violates the law must face the consequences.

“But my first duty was to stop more blood from being spilled.

“To those who secretly hoped for mass killings and chaos, just so they could score cheap political points, you have been put to shame, and I i know you now feel regret for your intentions.

“To those who feel disappointed, I understand. I am coming back home. I will sit with my people, as I always do. We will talk. We will heal. And together, we will find our own solutions for our own problems.

“Here is the lesson I leave you with, —when life throws multiple battles at you, always fight the one that has the greatest consequence if you lose.

“That is leadership. That is wisdom. That is why I am here.”

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