Lawmaker Rejects Allegation Against Governor Okpebholo Over Edo Incident

A Member of the House of Representatives representing
Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, Billy Osawaru, has dismissed allegations linking the Edo State Government to an alleged attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Mr Osawaru, who was responding to claims made by fellow lawmaker Patrick Uzokwe, who had suggested that the February 24 incident involving Mr Obi and other political figures in Edo State was connected to state-backed actors.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, Mr Osawaru described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated.

He said no security agency had indicted Governor Monday Okpebholo or any state official over the reported attack.

“It is dangerous to insinuate state-sponsored violence without proof,” he said, warning that such claims could heighten political tensions.

“Reports had indicated that Mr Obi, alongside former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, and members of the African Democratic Congress, were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen during a visit to Edo State.”

Mr Osawaru condemned the incident but said attempts to link it to the state government amounted to speculation.

He said law enforcement authorities had not established any connection between Governor Okpebholo and the alleged attack.

He called for a thorough and impartial investigation and cautioned against what he described as “trial by media,” saying premature accusations could undermine ongoing inquiries.

Mr Osawaru also defended earlier security advisories issued ahead of Mr Obi’s visit, saying they were routine measures aimed at ensuring safety.

He urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow security agencies to complete their investigations.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji