Ex-commissioner denies attacking Shaibu’s convoy

A former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Efe Stewart, on Tuesday, denied involvement in Thursday’s political violence in the state.

The convoy of the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the September 21 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was attacked by gunmen, leading to the death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh.

The incident has pitted the Peoples Democratic Party against the APC, both calling 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, Stewart told newsmen in Benin 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.

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 said having served the Obaseki-led government as a commissioner, he remained committed to enthroning good governance and leadership in the state.

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

Stewart added that he had no business whatsoever with the PDP and its co-travellers who were busy disturbing the peace of the state, instead of focusing on winning the governorship election.