I didn't direct any attack on Obi, says Okpebholo
Edo Government Denies Orchestrating Attack on Peter Obi The Edo State Government has denied allegations that it directed any of its agencies to attack former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi,
Edo Government Denies Orchestrating Attack on Peter Obi
The Edo State Government has denied allegations that it directed any of its agencies to attack former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, during his recent visit to the state.
Describing the claim as false, malicious and a distortion of facts, the government said no such directive was issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo or any organ of the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, in a statement issued on Monday night, said the Okpebholo administration would not engage in attacks against law-abiding Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to the statement, no arm of the Edo State Government was instructed to target members of any political party. It added that the allegation was unsupported by credible evidence and appeared designed to mislead the public and heighten political tension.
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It reads in part, "The statement recalled the Governor’s earlier position regarding high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he made it clear that his comments were purely guided by security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.
"Governor Okpebholo had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
"We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.
"For the avoidance of doubt, just yesterday, Monday,23 February,a faction of the ADC led by former Chief Whip of the Senate,Roland Owie, were shut out of a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun's due to internal crisis within the party and was only resolved following a detachment of armed police officers to restore peace.
"It is now evident that the ADC and by extension Peter Obi is mischievous and making efforts to cast aspersion on the good things that this administration is doing. It only suggests to us that Peter Obi is synonymous with violence and the state government will not condole such acts.
"The Edo State Government therefore urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity. The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.
"The government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution."
