Political Tension Rises as Ememobong Labels Makinde’s Action a Return to Negative History

Ini Ememobong, spokesperson of the Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, has defended comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde referencing “Operation Wetie,” describing them as a reflection on history rather than a call to violence.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, April 27, 2026, Ememobong responded to questions regarding opposition efforts to present a unified presidential candidate and the broader implications of recent political discourse.

“So when all the opposition party came to say, we will have one presidential candidate from the opposite, what does it really mean?” the interviewer asked.

In his response, Ememobong framed the issue within a historical and democratic context, emphasizing the role of past events in shaping present actions. “Truth is that when, like I said, the role of history is either a reminder of a good past or a bad past. And like Barack Obama said that in every generation, there is a defining moment. In this fourth republic, this seems to be the defining moment for the fourth republic,” he said.

He stated that such defining moments require societies to both acknowledge and reassess their past experiences. “And at the defining moment, people either confirm or confront their history. So they confirm the positive side of their history and they confront the negative part of their history,” he added.

Ememobong noted that, in his view, Nigeria’s current democratic phase faces significant challenges, making historical reflection necessary. “And it was necessary at this time, because never in a democratic dispensation within the democratic cycles within this fourth republic has democracy, multiparty democracy, been challenged the way it is,” he said.

He explained that references to past events such as “Operation Wetie” should be seen as cautionary, aimed at preventing a recurrence of similar developments. “And therefore, there was need to draw back on a negative history to place it as a constant reminder that we may never go there,” he stated.

Drawing a parallel with biblical narratives, he said remembrance serves as a guide for future conduct. “Remember that in scripture, when people, when the Israelites went through a lot of journey, they erected a stone of remembrance, that when they got to that point, they would remember that thus far the Lord led us,” he said.

Ememobong concluded by reiterating his interpretation of the governor’s remarks. “And therefore, what Makinde did, and in the way we understand and perceive it, apart from those who have any other thing to fear, is a remembrance of a negative history that we may never get there again. And therefore, so should we quarrel about the effects and not worry about the cost?” he stated.