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By Tracy Moses
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Billy Famous Adesuwa Osawaru, has defended the Edo State Government over allegations linking it to the recent attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Osawaru, who represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, describing claims that the state government sponsored the attack as malicious, false and politically motivated.
His reaction followed allegations by Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who accused the Edo State Government of being complicit in the reported attack on Obi and other political figures during a recent visit to the state.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Obi; a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and some ADC chieftains were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen while in Edo State.
Dismissing the allegations as a gross misrepresentation of facts, Osawaru maintained that there was no credible evidence linking Governor Monday Okpebholo or any official of the state to the incident.
“It is malicious and false to claim or even allege that Peter Obi and members of his political camp were attacked by Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor or any of his officials,” he said.
While condemning the attack in strong terms, the lawmaker stressed that security matters should not be politicised.
He argued that the state government had nothing to gain from violence and would not engage in actions capable of undermining public peace and stability.
Osawaru further explained that Governor Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi regarding security concerns was based on genuine apprehension, citing unrest and reported fatalities that allegedly followed Obi’s previous visit to the state.
According to him, politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public events to enable proper security coordination in the interest of public safety. “The Governor’s primary responsibility remains the protection of lives and property. His administration is not and will never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation,” he stated.
He urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the attack, expressing confidence that the outcome would vindicate the state government.
“We call for a thorough probe into the matter. All parties should allow the investigation to run its course and refrain from making statements capable of prejudicing the outcome. The people of Edo deserve peace and stability, not baseless allegations and political rhetoric,” Osawaru added.
The lawmaker assured that the Edo State Government would continue to prioritise security and good governance, insisting that it would not be distracted by what he described as politically motivated accusations.