…condemn violence but say allegations against Governor are ‘baseless and politically motivated’
By Gloria Ikibah
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Billy Famous Osawaru, has fiercely rejected claims that the Edo State Government or its officials were behind the recent attack on Peter Obi and other political figures in the state. 
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Osawaru, who represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo state, described suggestions that Governor Monday Okpebholo or members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sponsored the violence as “a clear misrepresentation of the facts”.
“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.
“We have seen no credible evidence to support these allegations and it is our position that such claims are baseless and politically motivated”, he said.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, allegedly involved suspected gunmen targeting Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate alongside Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
While condemning the attack “in the strongest terms”, Osawaru insisted that linking the governor to the violence without proof was irresponsible.
Osawaru argued that warnings previously issued by the governor regarding Obi’s visits to Edo had been misconstrued.
“The governor has nothing to gain from such an attack.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration is not and will never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Peter Obi was a genuine concern for his safety and well-being.
“It is a matter of public record that there were fatalities and widespread unrest during his last visit to Edo State. The governor’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors”, he added.
He added that politically exposed persons were expected to notify authorities ahead of major public engagements to allow for adequate security coordination.
“Obi has every right to visit Edo or anywhere for that matter.
“But security concerns are valid too. Let us not politicise this issue. The people of Edo deserve peace and stability, not baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric”, he stated.
The lawmaker called for patience while investigations continue.
He criticised his colleagues Rep. Peter Uzokwe, lawmaker representing Nnewi South/Nnewi North/Ekwusigo federal constituency in the House of Representatives who he claimed, had rushed to apportion blame.
“What we demand is a thorough investigation and we are confident it will clear Governor Okpebholo’s name.
“We call on all parties to allow the investigation to run its course and to refrain from making statements that could prejudice the outcome.
“I don’t think it is the right thing for my honourable colleague to specifically mention the name of my governor when investigations are still ongoing.
“It would have been nice for the investigation to be carried out and for us to know the outcome before anybody starts commenting”, Rep. Osawaru said.
Responding to questions from reporters about recurring unrest during Obi’s visits, Osawaru suggested that internal disputes within opposition parties could be a contributing factor.
“I’m not a member of the ADC, but we know that political parties have their own internal crises.
“That manifested itself during the last visit of Peter Obi. Because of their own internal wranglings, they had those issues.
“Trying to allege that something like this has happened and you now point to the opposition party, I think it is unacceptable — especially when investigations have not been done,” he noted.
In an impassioned appeal, Osawaru urged politicians and their supporters to reject what he described as “the politics of bitterness”.
“In the National Assembly, we are 360 members in the House of Representatives and 109 in the Senate. Yes, we debate fiercely, but we still live like a family.
“We eat together, we drink together. It is not worth the blood of any Nigerian for us to move this country forward.
“Ninety-nine per cent of political parties have similar goals — a better Nigeria. So why do we have to take each other’s lives? It is not worth it.
“We will not stand idly by while our governor is smeared with baseless allegations. We will continue to focus on serving the people of Edo State and ensuring that peace and stability are maintained,” he said.
