Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo has condemned Tuesday’s assault on Peter Obi and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and shot down allegations he was behind the attack.
Former Anambra State’s Governor Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure escaped gunshots during his Tuesday visit to the state.
However, online supporters of Obi put the blame for the attack on Okpebholo.
As one Nairalander put it: “The current APC-led Edo State government had previously warned Obi not to set foot in Edo State. Then yesterday, there was an assassination attempt on him and other ADC leaders.
“The proverb says, “The witch cried last night, and the baby died in the morning.” We do not go to the soothsayer to ask what killed the child.”
However, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, in a statement issued on Tuesday night, said the Okpebholo administration would not engage in attacks against law-abiding Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to the statement, no arm of the Edo State Government was instructed to target members of any political party. It added that the allegation was unsupported by credible evidence and appeared designed to mislead the public and heighten political tension.
It reads in part, “The statement recalled the Governor’s earlier position regarding high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he made it clear that his comments were purely guided by security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
It said: “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.
The Governor expressed sympathy for the affected party members.
He noted that it was regrettable that certain individuals allegedly exploited Edo State’s peaceful environment to incite violence.
The statement emphasized, “As peace-loving citizens, we categorically condemn and will not tolerate the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of political activity.”
He affirmed that, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he would prevent Edo from becoming a battleground for political rivalry.
“While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I strongly believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State and undermine its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Governor underscored that no political blackmail would weaken the support of Edo residents for their government.
He emphasised that politics should focus on performance, engagement with the populace, and ongoing efforts to earn public trust.
“This is the foundation of our reputation, and we are committed to maintaining it,” he added.
He condemned the use of violence by politicians or individuals seeking electoral advantage, asserting that such actions demonstrate a lack of integrity and respect for the electorate.
The Governor affirmed that his party welcomed constructive opposition and would not be intimidated by blackmail or self-inflicted attacks.
He also called on residents of Edo State to remain calm and uphold peace, emphasising that the incident should not tarnish the state’s image.
“Edo remains a peaceful state, and that legacy must be preserved,” he affirmed.
In a warning to opposition groups, he stated that all political parties should resolve internal disputes before organizing public events.
“Any attempt to incite violence under the pretext of political activity would be firmly addressed,” he warned.
He urged the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and monitor political gatherings to prevent escalation, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
