Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the incident as an internal party crisis that escalated beyond acceptable limits.
In a statement personally issued Tuesday night, the governor expressed sympathy with affected members of the party, lamenting that some elements allegedly took advantage of the state’s peaceful atmosphere to perpetrate violence.
Okpebholo warned that the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside Edo under the guise of party politics was unacceptable and would no longer be tolerated.
“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,” the Governor stated.
He stressed that, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he would not allow Edo to be turned into a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry.
The governor added that although the exact motive behind the attack might not yet be fully known, he believes the incident was aimed at discrediting Edo State and undermining its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful States.
Okpebholo maintained that politics should be driven by performance, engagement with citizens and sustained efforts to earn public trust, insisting that no amount of political blackmail would deter the people from supporting a government they value.
While sympathising with ADC members and condemning the violence, he advised the party to avoid directing accusations outside its fold, suggesting the matter appeared to be in internal disagreements.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain calm and uphold peace, assuring that Edo remains a peaceful state and warning that any attempt to foment crisis under the guise of political activity would be firmly resisted.
He further urged the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and closely monitor political gatherings that could degenerate into violence, restating his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the State.
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