Edo State Government has rejected allegations by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in the state, describing the claim as false, malicious, and misleading.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement signed by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday, the government said the allegation was a deliberate misrepresentation of facts aimed at misleading the public and stirring unnecessary political tension.
The statement stressed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has never authorized, encouraged, or condoned attacks on any individual or group, irrespective of political affiliation. It added that no directive was issued by the Governor or any arm of the state government to target members of any political party.
The government noted that the claim lacked credible evidence and appeared calculated to distort the truth for political reasons. It recalled the Governor’s earlier remarks on high-profile political visits to Edo State, clarifying that such comments were strictly guided by security considerations and not motivated by political hostility.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo, as Chief Security Officer of the state, had consistently advised politically exposed persons to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to allow proper security coordination in the interest of public safety.
The government described attempts to portray this security advisory as intimidation or an orchestrated attack as unfortunate, misleading, and politically motivated.
It further cited a recent incident involving a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie, which was reportedly shut out of a meeting at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun due to internal party disputes. The situation, it said, was only resolved after the intervention of armed police officers to restore calm.
The statement accused the ADC and Peter Obi of making efforts to discredit the achievements of the current administration, describing the allegations as mischievous and unfounded.
The Edo State Government urged political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity, assuring residents and visitors of its commitment to safety, constitutional rights, and peaceful coexistence.
It reiterated that the administration remains focused on governance, public safety, and economic development, and not political persecution.
