The Edo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, has dismissed claims linking the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Governor Monday Okpebholo to the recent attack on the residence of former 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 (ADC), insisting it had “all the imprimatur of ADC versus ADC.”
According to him, tensions had been building days before the violence, following a political meeting at Oyegun’s residence where some party members were allegedly denied access. He said the situation escalated after aggrieved members protested and chanted outside the premises.
Afegbua maintained that the governor acted responsibly when earlier gunshots were reported near the residence, directing the Commissioner of Police to investigate immediately. He added that pellets from the gunfire reportedly landed within the Government House compound, prompting swift attention.
He rejected suggestions that the proximity of Oyegun’s residence to Government House was an indictment on the governor, stressing that security agencies were alerted once the initial disturbance occurred.
The commissioner also faulted former presidential candidate Peter Obi for what he described as a premature conclusion, accusing him of politicising the incident without acknowledging internal tensions within the ADC.
Afegbua assured that law enforcement authorities would investigate the attack thoroughly and prosecute anyone found culpable, emphasizing that the state government would not tolerate political violence.
He further defended Governor Okpebholo against allegations of fostering thuggery, portraying him as committed to infrastructure development, security reforms, and political inclusiveness in Edo State.
Goodness Anunobi
