By Mercy Aikoye
A member of the House of Representatives representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Hon. Billy Famous Osawaru, has dismissed allegations linking the Edo State Government to the reported attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Osawaru described the claims as “baseless, politically motivated, and completely unsupported by credible evidence,” stressing that no security agency has indicted Governor Monday Okpebholo or any state official in connection with the incident.
“It is dangerous to insinuate state-sponsored violence without proof,” he said, warning that such claims could inflame tensions in an already charged political environment.
The lawmaker maintained that attempts to link the alleged attack to the state government amount to speculation and political propaganda.
“Accusations must be backed by verifiable facts,” he said. “Until security agencies conclude their investigation, it is premature and unjust to assign blame.”
He also clarified that Governor Okpebholo’s earlier advisory ahead of Obi’s visit was based on security considerations and his constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
According to Osawaru, it is standard practice for politically exposed persons to notify authorities before large public engagements to ensure adequate security coordination.
While condemning the reported attack, Osawaru called for a thorough and impartial investigation, urging political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
“The people of Edo deserve responsible politics rooted in facts, not narratives driven by conjecture,” he added.
