The Edo State Government has publicly distanced itself from controversial remarks attributed to Emmanuel Eghogho, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Monday Okpebholo, regarding opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reaction follows the circulation of a viral video in which the aide, popularly known as Egogo, allegedly warned that opposition parties particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would not be permitted to campaign in the state.
In the video, he also made remarks suggesting that opposition figures, including Peter Obi, could face arrest if they attempted to carry out electioneering activities.
In response, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, clarified that the statements do not reflect the position of the administration.
Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City, Afegbua stressed that Governor Okpebholo’s government does not condone intimidation, political violence, or inflammatory rhetoric.
“We want to disown that statement as not the position of government, as the voice of an individual who is also amenable to existing laws of the land.
“I think it’s the media that makes people like Egogo important. When you ignore and face the larger issue, the bigger issue, people will not take such a young man seriously.
“But I’m just telling you that this is not a government position, and they are not representing the views of the government.
“And so, we frown totally against such kind of incendiary statements as credited to a guy popularly called Egogo. It is not our article of trade. It is not our thematic focus as a government.
“We try as much as possible to promote unity of purpose, a spirit of camaraderie among all Edo citizens and indigenes. If you have any cause to do business in Edo State, we want you to be happy when you come, when you see what we are doing. That’s why we have invested so much in security,” he said.
Afegbua also called on security agencies to take appropriate action where necessary, noting that maintaining order is their responsibility.
“So, the law enforcement agents, if they feel troubled by what he said, can handle him their own way.
“It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to keep people in check within the rank and file of society.
“We are expecting that the DSS, the police, and civil defence will key into our security architecture to deepen the conversation around security across the state,” he added.
He further reiterated that the administration remains open to opposition voices and democratic engagement, describing such participation as essential in strengthening governance.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command also addressed the issue, distancing the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, from the comments made in the viral video.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, it was clarified that “at no point did the Commissioner of Police endorse, adopt, or align himself with the remarks.”
The police added that they are reviewing the comments to determine if there are any security implications beyond what may be considered mere theatrics.
