From our news desk, Benin
News of assassination attempt on House of Representatives member; Prince Henry Odianose Okojie, went viral on Friday, 20 September, 2024.
One of the supposed assassins confessed that they were hired by Isaac Imasuagbon; a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to do the job, it was alleged.
But in a swift reaction, Imasuagbon has denied the allegation saying it was not true, but a twisted story for cheap political gains.
In a statement which he personally signed and made available to journalists on Saturday, 21 September, 2024, he expressed shock with what he termed: "the turn of the true story."
According to him; the story of assassination attempt on Hon. Okojie said to had been sponsored by him (Isaac Imasuagbon) was "hoax and lies circulating on the social media and news outlets over the past 24 hours."
He explained; "The incident unfolded when I sent a friend on a simple errand to deliver a message to my brother in Uromi.
"Unfortunately, my messenger ended up at the wrong address—Odianose’s residence. Both the intended recipient and Odianose are relatives, sharing the same last name.
"The message was meant for a well-known PDP leader in Edo State, while Odianose, also a popular politician in Uromi, was mistakenly believed by the okada rider who was carrying Frank (my messenger), to be the intended recipient.
"Frank unfamiliar with Uromi, relied on the okada man, whose mistake was Frank’s only misstep—going to the wrong address.
"What should have been a simple clarification escalated, quickly becoming politically charged and manipulated for political gain.
"My vehicle was seized, my driver was assaulted, my friends including Frank Idemudia, were humiliated, PDP agents' materials were confiscated, and they were kidnapped and handed over to the police.
"But it didn’t end there; A smear campaign was launched, filled with lies and character assassination, in a blatant attempt to damage my impeccable reputation!
"As of now, Frank and my driver; Eze, are being held in police custody at the State CID in Benin City."
Continuing, Imasuagbon said "what we are witnessing is a calculated effort to destroy the lives of innocent people simply for carrying out their civic duties—duties we encourage all citizens to participate in."
In further denial, Imasuagbon argued; "the idea that someone you have never met, do not know, have no dealings with, or any association with, could suddenly become your assailant is one of the most absurd fabrications, even from the most distorted minds.
"Politics even at its lowest ebb, should not be this divisive or irrational hence this destructive style must stop immediately. It should have no place in Esanland, no place in Edo State, and no place in Nigeria!"
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