Edo Rep calls for comprehensive investigation over alleged attack on Obi

“This will be a misrepresentation of the fact. While I acknowledge the gravity of the situation and strongly condemn any form of violence in the strongest terms, I would, however, like to provide some context that seems to be missing from the narrative.

“Governor Okpebholo's warning to Peter Obi was a genuine concern for his safety and well-being, given the unrest that followed Obi's previous visit. It's a matter of public record that there were fatalities and widespread unrest during his last visit to Edo State, and the Governor's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors.

“Our dear Governor had regularly maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to at least notify relevant authorities ahead of serious public events in the state to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

“It's unfair to link the Governor to this attack without concrete evidence. We have seen no credible evidence to support these allegations, and it's our position that such claims are baseless and politically motivated.

“The Governor has nothing to gain from such an attack, and it is telling that those making these allegations have failed to provide any substance to back their claims.

“Governor Okpebholo's administration is not and will never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

“We urge the public, the ADC, and our colleagues to focus on facts, not fiction. Obi has every right to visit Edo or anywhere for that matter, but security concerns are valid too. Let's not politicize this issue. The people of Edo deserve peace and stability, not baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric.

“Therefore, we demand a thorough investigation, and we are confident it will clear Governor Okpebholo's name. We call on all parties to allow the investigation to run its course and to refrain from making statements that could prejudice the outcome.

“Let me be clear: we are not dismissing the seriousness of the attack, but we will not stand idly by while our Governor is smeared with baseless allegations. We will continue to focus on serving the people of Edo State and ensuring that peace and stability are maintained”.

Responding to questions, Osawaru said “this is the second time Obi is coming to a major event in Edo State, and we are having issues like this.  Again, I am not a member of the ADC, but we know that political parties have their own internal crises, and that manifested itself during that last visit of Peter Obi because of their own internal crises, they have those issues.

“I am not sure if they have resolved those internal crises they have, but trying to allege that something like this has happened and you now point to the opposition party—I think it is unacceptable, especially when investigations have not been done.

“It is uncharitable to come here and specifically mention the name of my governor and the government officials of Edo as being responsible for what happened when the investigation is still ongoing. I felt that it would have been nice for investigations to be carried out, and we know the outcome of the investigation before anybody starts commenting on issues like this. So, probably that will answer your first question.

Our governor is always concerned about the security of Nigerians, not just Edo state people. When I say Nigerians, other people who are not from Edo state have come to Edo state to visit, and His Excellency Peter Obi is one of them.

“That was why the first time we had these issues, the governor came out to state that it would be nice and proper as a former governor for His Excellency Peter Obi to relate with him as another governor.

"To let him know, because as the chief security officer of the state, it is proper and it is also expected of him to protect a former governor coming to his state for an event. I think that was with good intentions. But again, we know what politicians do. They will come in and try to blow the policy.

I expect my colleague to know better that we are here as representatives of the people, to represent the Nigerian people, and part of our mandate is to make sure that anything that can lead to the breakdown of law and order in the country, we must avoid it. We must do everything to prevent it.

“I don't think my honourable colleague has acted in that light, especially when the investigation is still going on, coming here to attack the governor of Edo State and his officials.

We must show understanding, and the Nigerian people, especially those who are very active in politics, should understand that it is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.  We must move this country forward. Most of the time, you will find out that the Nigerian people who are active in politics are usually the ones who come out to perpetrate that havoc.

“But we want to discourage this attitude. The politics of bitterness should not have a place here in Nigeria. And it starts with us, as the politicians.