JUST IN: OWIE REJECTS VIOLENCE ALLEGATIONS, ACCUSES APC OF POLITICAL SMEAR IN EDO

OWIE REJECTS VIOLENCE ALLEGATIONS, ACCUSES APC OF POLITICAL SMEAR IN EDO


Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Rowland Owie, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the disruption of a political gathering in Benin City, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

In a statement made available to journalists in Edo State, the senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed reports suggesting he was involved in attacks targeting former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata.

The allegations reportedly followed a political meeting held at the party secretariat in Benin City. According to Senator Owie, he was present at the event as a keynote speaker and was addressing party members and invited guests when security operatives alerted organisers to a potential security threat around the venue.

He stated that the meeting, which had been proceeding peacefully, was brought to an early close as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of dignitaries and attendees. He denied any involvement in acts of violence and described the accusations as an attempt to misrepresent the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Senator Owie further alleged that elements affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) were responsible for the disruption, accusing political opponents of spreading disinformation to deflect attention. However, the APC has not publicly responded to the specific claims at the time of this report.

Reflecting on his political career, which began in 1979 when he was first elected into the House of Representatives, the former lawmaker maintained that he has consistently advocated peaceful political engagement and democratic dialogue. He described suggestions that he would sponsor violence at an event attended by respected political figures as unfounded.

The ADC reiterated its stance against political violence and called on security agencies, including the Edo State Police Command led by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

As political activities intensify in Edo State, observers note that tensions among rival parties have heightened. Authorities have yet to release an official report detailing the circumstances surrounding the disruption.

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