Ex-commissioner denies hand in attack on dep gov Shaibu, Okpebholo’s convoy

The former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Efe Stewart, on Tuesday, denied involvement in the attack on the convoy of the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the September 21 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo,

Shaibu and Okpebholo’s convoy was attacked by gunmen, leading to the death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh.

The incident ignited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the APC, as both called for a probe.

Stewart, who dumped the PDP for the APC, was one of those the PDP and Edo State government accused of being behind the shooting.

In response to the violence, Stewart told Journalists in Benin, the state capital, that the allegation by the Edo State government in its petition to the Inspector General of Police over the July 18, 2024 breakdown of law and order in the state was targeted at tarnishing his rising political profile and reputation.

READ ALSO: Edo Assembly opposes court order reinstating Shaibu as dep gov, files appeal

He said he returned to the APC due to irreconcilable differences, after putting in resources and energy in his capacity as a chieftain of the ruling party in the state.

He asserted that he remains committed to enthroning good governance and leadership in the state, having served the Obaseki-led government as a commissioner

He said: “This is to let Edo residents know that I was not involved in last Thursday’s political violence which claimed the life of a police officer.

“I left the PDP when it became obvious that I could not work with a political nitwit spearheading the PDP activities in my local government in Egor. I am too enlightened to be controlled by an illiterate and a motor park leader.”

He encouraged the public to disregard the falsehood in the statement by the government, which allegedly dragged him into the violence.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now