Edo Govt Dismisses Peter Obi’s Allegation as Baseless, Says No Attack Ordered by Okpebholo Administration

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has strongly refuted the allegation by former governor of Anambra state Mr Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in the state, describing the claim as false, malicious and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, the government stated unequivocally that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliation.

The statement stressed that no directive was issued at any time by Governor Okpebholo or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party. It noted that the allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.

According to the statement, the Governor had earlier clarified his position regarding high profile political visits to Edo State, explaining that his comments were guided strictly by his constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officer of the state and not by political hostility toward any individual or group.

Governor Okpebholo, the statement added, has consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable proper security coordination in the overall interest of public safety.

The government described as unfortunate and politically motivated any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks.

The statement further recalled that on Monday, February 23, a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting held at the residence of former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun due to internal crisis within the party. It noted that the situation was eventually resolved following the intervention of armed police officers who were deployed to restore order.

The Edo State Government stated that it is evident that attempts are being made by certain political actors to cast aspersions on the achievements of the present administration, adding that it will not condone efforts to overheat the polity through unfounded accusations.

The statement urged political actors to verify facts before making public pronouncements capable of generating tension, while reaffirming that the administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors and upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.

It reiterated that the government’s primary focus remains governance, public safety and economic development, not political persecution.