Efe Stewart, the former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, has denied allegations of involvement in the recent attack on the convoy of reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The attack, which occurred on July 18, 2024, resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh, a police officer.
The incident has sparked a heated exchange between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, with both parties demanding a thorough investigation.
Stewart, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, was among those accused by the PDP and the Edo State government of orchestrating the attack.
Speaking to journalists in Benin, Stewart dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the Edo State government to tarnish his political reputation.
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He stated that his return to the APC was due to irreconcilable differences within the PDP, despite his significant contributions as a party chieftain.
Stewart emphasized his commitment to good governance and leadership in Edo State, reflecting on his tenure as a commissioner under the Obaseki-led administration.
“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,” he declared.
He further explained his departure from the PDP, citing his inability to work with the local leadership in Egor.
“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.”
Stewart urged the public to disregard the government’s accusations, labeling them as falsehoods aimed at discrediting him.