1 month ago
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The Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, has dismissed claims linking the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Governor Monday Okpebholo to the recent attack on the residence of former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Afegbua described the incident as a fallout of internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress.
According to him, the violence bore “all the imprimatur of ADC versus ADC.”
Afegbua said tensions had been building days before the incident, following a political meeting at Oyegun’s residence where some party members were allegedly denied access.
He stated that the situation escalated after aggrieved members protested and chanted outside the premises.
“There were clear signs of internal disagreements before the unfortunate disturbance,” he reportedly noted.
The commissioner maintained that Governor Okpebholo acted responsibly when reports of gunshots near the residence surfaced.
According to him, the governor immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter.
Afegbua added that pellets from the gunfire reportedly landed within the Government House compound, prompting swift security attention.
He rejected insinuations that the proximity of Oyegun’s residence to Government House suggested official complicity, stressing that security agencies were alerted once the initial disturbance occurred.
Afegbua also criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi for what he described as drawing premature conclusions.
He accused Obi of politicising the development without acknowledging alleged internal tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The commissioner assured residents that law enforcement agencies would thoroughly investigate the attack and prosecute anyone found culpable.
He emphasised that the state government would not tolerate political violence in any form.
Afegbua further defended Governor Okpebholo against allegations of fostering thuggery, portraying him as committed to infrastructure development, security reforms and political inclusiveness in Edo State.
He reiterated that the administration’s focus remains governance and maintaining peace across the state.
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