…Investigate attack, Edo Rep tells police

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The member of the House of Representatives representing Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, of Edo State, Billy Osawaru, has called for a thorough investigation into the attack on leaders of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC), in the state, on Tuesday.

Osawaru, who made the call, at a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, said the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebolo, has no hand in the attack on the leaders, including former Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Gunmen had reportedly attacked the ADC secretariat in Edo State on Tuesday and later trailed the party leaders, including Obi and former Edo Governor, John Odigie-Oyegun to the latter’s residence, and fired shots at their vehicles and the gate of the residence.

The attack has attracted diverse reactions, with key opposition blaming the ruling party in Edo State for the incident.

However, Osawaru, while responding to allegations by another member of the House, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, on the attack, said it is malicious for anyone to link the incident to the Edo State Government.

Okpebolo, last July, warned Obi not to visit Edo State, without clearance from him, shortly after the former LP presidential candidate visited the St Philomena Nursing School, Benin City.

Nonetheless, Osawaru noted that, “Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Obi was a genuine concern for his safety and wellbeing, 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.”

Consequently, he stated that, “it is malicious and false to claim or even allege that Obi and members of his political camp were attacked by the Edo State Government’s officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor or its officials.

“This will be a wilful misrepresentation of the facts.

While I acknowledge the gravity of the situation and condemn any form of violence, I would, however, like to provide some context that seems to be missing from the narrative.

“Our Governor has 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.”

The lawmaker added that, “What we demand is a thorough investigation and we are confident it will clear 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.”