The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has denied approving the sum of N6 billion as compensation to “Fulani terrorists”.
The Governor in a statement issued Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua said, the figures and narrative being peddled are fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
He added the State government has not — and will not — compensate any individual or group involved in acts of terror or criminality.
Okpebholo note: “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed terrorist organisation by the federal government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses Governor Monday Okpebholo, of allocating N6 billion to compensate so-called “Fulani terrorists” and alleges betrayal of the people of Edo State.
“We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilize the peace and unity of Edo State.”
The governor added that it is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism.
Okpebholo added: “No compensation of N6 billion was approved or paid to any group as claimed. The figures and narrative being peddled are fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading. The Edo State Government has not—and will not—compensate any individual or group involved in acts of terror or criminality.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to justice and the rule of law. His administration has prioritized the safety of all citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
“The baseless allegation that he handed over vigilantes to “Fulani authorities” is not only a ridiculous lie but an affront to the memory of the security personnel who serve Edo State with honour.
“IPOB’s attempt to incite ethnic violence is criminal and rejected by Edo people. The good people of Edo State are known for their unity, hospitality, and progressive values.
“We reject IPOB’s attempts to use blood-stained rhetoric to cause unrest in our land. Their efforts to export their terrorist ideology into Edo State are dead on arrival.”
Okpebholo described the group’s audacity to lecture Southern governors on bravery as laughable.
He noted that IPOB is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent Nigerians, including Igbos, through its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network — A group that murders, maims, and imposes illegal sit-at-home orders in the South-East cannot pretend to care about justice or human rights.