Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has condemned the recent attack on the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress ADC and the residence of the party’s national leader John Odigie Oyegun, describing the incident as an internal party crisis that escalated beyond acceptable limits.
In a personally signed statement issued on Wednesday, Okpebholo firmly denied any involvement of his administration in the incident. He expressed sympathy with members of the ADC affected by the attacks and stressed that violence has no place in Edo State’s political space.
The governor described the development as unfortunate, noting that certain elements allegedly took advantage of the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state to carry out acts of violence. He said Edo State has remained calm and stable, and such actions threaten the collective efforts to sustain peace and security.
“As peace loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward,” Okpebholo stated.
He warned that the use of violence to settle political disagreements undermines democracy and endangers innocent lives and property. According to him, political actors must resolve their differences through lawful and peaceful means rather than resorting to intimidation or destruction.
Okpebholo further stressed that, as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, he would not allow the state to be turned into a theatre of conflict under the guise of political rivalry. He assured residents that security agencies have been directed to maintain vigilance and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
The governor called on political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, urging all stakeholders to work together to preserve peace, stability and democratic values in Edo State.
