Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has distanced his administration from remarks made by one of his aides, following public outrage over a viral video calling for the redeployment of the state’s police chief.
The aide, Emmanuel Egogo, a Senior Special Assistant, stirred controversy after addressing the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in a video that many critics say suggested undue political influence over security matters.
In the footage, Egogo appeared to draw attention to the shared first name between the governor and the police commissioner, implying it shaped their professional relationship. He also pledged “loyalty” while making remarks about opposition figures, including Peter Obi, whom he alleged could be arrested and moved to Abuja.
The comments quickly attracted condemnation from civil society groups and political analysts, who warned that such statements risk eroding public confidence in the neutrality of law enforcement agencies.
The Edo State Police Command responded earlier with a disclaimer, making clear that the commissioner had no connection to the remarks. In a statement issued by police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem, the command stressed that the views expressed were entirely personal.
“At no point did the Commissioner of Police endorse, adopt, or align himself with the remarks made. However, those remarks are being diligently interrogated for any security implications other than that of comedy and showmanship,” the statement read.
Amid the backlash, the state government also moved to clarify its position. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said Egogo’s comments did not represent official policy or the stance of the administration.
“We want to disown that statement as not the position of government but the voice of an individual. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to keep people in check within society,” Afegbua said.
He described the remarks as alarming and inconsistent with the government’s values.
“We found totally shocking the kind of incendiary statements credited to the guy popularly called Egogo. It is not our article of trade. It is not our thematic focus as a government.
“We welcome opposition, robust engagement, constructive engagement and collective bargaining. Opposition helps ruling parties to think better,” he added.
The government maintained that it remains committed to democratic engagement and respect for differing political views.