Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC-Edo) has exonerated Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo from Tuesday’s attack on Mr Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains in the state.
Osawaru, stated this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday. The legislator, representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said that it was malicious to allege that the attack was sponsored by the governor. While condemning the attack, he said that politics of bitterness should have no place in Nigeria, adding: “No ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian.”
According to him, it will be a misrepresentation of the fact, as Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi was a genuine concern for his safety and wellbeing, given the unrest that followed his (Obi’s) previous visit.
He said that the governor had regularly maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to at least notify relevant authorities ahead of serious public event in the state to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety. Osawaru said that Okpebholo’s administration is not and would never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“It is unfair to link the governor to this attack without concrete evidence. We have seen no credible evidence to support these allegations and it is our position that such claims are baseless and politically-motivated.
“The governor has nothing to gain from such an attack, and it is telling that those making these allegations have failed to provide any substance to back their claims.
“We urge the public, the ADC and our colleagues to focus on facts, not fiction. Obi has every right to visit Edo or anywhere for that matter, but security concerns are valid too. Let’s not politicise this issue.
“The people of Edo deserve peace and stability, not baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric,” he said.
The lawmaker, therefore, called for thorough investigation, expressing the confidence that it would clear the governor’s name.
“We call on all parties to allow the investigation to run its course and to refrain from making statements that can prejudice the outcome.
“We will continue to focus on serving the people of Edo and ensuring that peace and stability are maintained,” he said.
