Investigate attack on Obi, Edo Rep tells police

Says Okpebolo not involved

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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 on Thursday in Abuja, said the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebolo, has no hand in the attack on the ADC 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 State governor John Odigie-Oyegun, to the latter’s residence and shot at their vehicles and the gate of the residence.

The attack has attracted diverse reactions, with key opposition figures 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.

Recall that 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 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.”

Consequently, he stated that “it is malicious and false to claim or even allege that former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential aspirant Peter Obi and members of his political camp were attacked by Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor of Edo State or its officials.

“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.

“Our dear Governor had regularly maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to at least notify relevant authorities ahead of a serious public event 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 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.”