The Edo State Government has distanced itself from alleged threats against opposition figures by Emmanuel Eghogho, an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Eghogho, a senior special assistant to the governor, was captured in a viral video on social media addressing the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika.
In the video, he declared that members of the opposition, including Peter Obi, would be arrested and handed over to the commissioner for onward transfer to Abuja.
Mr Obi is one of the opposition leaders in Nigeria,
The video has since sparked public outrage.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said at a news conference in Benin on Monday that the state had nothing to do with Mr Eghogho’s public outburst.
Mr Afegbua said the government would not tolerate political intimidation, thuggery or any form of suppression of opposition voices.
He stressed that the controversial remarks credited to Mr Eghogho did not represent the administration’s position.
“We want to distance ourselves from that statement because it is not the position of the Edo State Government, but the voice of an individual that is answerable to existing laws of the land.
“The governor does not tolerate thuggery, political hegemony or any attempt to subdue or cow the opposition using subtle threats or otherwise.
“We welcome robust opposition engagement, constructive engagement and collective bargaining. Opposition helps ruling parties to think better,” he said.
The commissioner described the trending video as “incendiary” and said the administration was focused on promoting peace, unity and democratic engagement in the state.
“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 and a spirit of camaraderie among all Edo residents,” he said.
