APC Chair Defends Governor Okpebholo Over Budget Error Amid Public Backlash

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has publicly defended Governor Monday Okpebholo after he was ridiculed for a mistake during his budget presentation for the 2025 fiscal year.
On Tuesday, December 10, Okpebholo presented the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Edo State House of Assembly. However, the presentation was marred by the governor’s repeated struggles to accurately state the total budget amount.
In a now-viral video, Okpebholo was seen flustered as he stumbled over figures, initially stating the budget as “6 billion…650…605 billion,” before apologizing and attempting to correct himself. He repeatedly said, “Let me take it again,” as he struggled to announce the correct total, which was ultimately identified as 506 billion, 605 billion, or 776 billion.
The viral clip quickly spread on social media, leading to widespread criticism of the governor’s performance, with many questioning his ability to manage the state’s finances effectively.
In response to the backlash, Jarrett Tenebe defended the governor, describing the incident as a natural human mistake. In a video shared by Edo Updates on X.com (formerly Twitter), Tenebe stated, “Humans make such mistakes, and a lot of people make such mistakes.” He downplayed the significance of the error, calling it a normal part of public speaking and presentation.
Tenebe also sought to shift the focus away from the blunder by emphasizing Okpebholo’s integrity. He contrasted the governor with previous leaders in the state, suggesting that Okpebholo’s commitment to transparency and honesty was evident in his leadership. Tenebe concluded, “The governor’s slip-up is nothing compared to the corruption of past leaders.”
Despite the criticism, the governor’s supporters have rallied around the notion that such errors should not overshadow his achievements in office, arguing that his intentions and dedication to serving the state remain clear.