By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has dismissed allegations by Peter Obi that his camp was attacked by government officials, saying the claim is “false, malicious, and a clear misrepresentation of facts”.
Chief Press Secretary Patrick Akhere Ebojele stated that no directive was issued to target any political party, calling the allegations “calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension”.
The government cited Governor Okpebholo’s previous stance on security, emphasizing it’s about public safety, not political hostility. Politically exposed persons are expected to notify authorities ahead of public engagements for security coordination.
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.
