Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has reacted to claims by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB that he offered Fulani terrorists the sum of N6 billion compensation over killings that took place in Uromi.

The governor denied ever offering monetary compensation, describing IPOB’s allegation as malicious propaganda, wondering how a proscribed group in Nigeria should have moral standing to talk on sensitive issue they know nothing about.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Fred Itua in Benin on Thursday, the governor said, he consider IPOB’s claim as vile attempt to incite the good people of Edo State against their constituted authority.

The statement which was obtained by CAPITAL POST in Abuja reads: “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 organization by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses His Excellency, 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.

“It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism.

“Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail.”

The governor insisted that no such amount or any monetary compensation was approved by his administration, declaring the 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.

“The group’s audacity to lecture Southern Governors on bravery is laughable. 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.

“We urge the security agencies to investigate and bring to book the authors of this inciting publication. No group, however loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or attempt to instigate ethnic warfare in a state known for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

‘The Edo State Government will not be distracted by the noise of criminals masquerading as freedom fighters. We will continue to pursue peace, development, and inclusive governance for every resident of Edo State.

“We stand with the people. We stand for the truth. And we reject terrorism in every form”, the statement concluded.

The embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has reportedly bowed to pressure as he has finally agreed to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC upon his return to office.

A source close to the meeting he had with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week in London indicated that he would be allowed to continue in office to finish his tenure, but shouldn’t seek re-election in 2027.

Though, the meeting was at the request of the suspended Governor, CAPITAL POST reliably gathered that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike was contacted to offer his choice before the agreement was reached.

CAPITAL POST recalled that President Bola Tinubu travelled out to France and UK for barely three weeks before returning to office.

While in London, Fubara sought for audience with him through his Chief of Staff which was granted before the meeting eventually held in the UK.

Tinubu was said to have insisted on peace and stability in Rivers, given its strategic importance to the nation, but Fubara expressed his readiness to compromise if the issue of impeachment would be laid to rest, a source who craved anonymity told CAPITAL POST.

Though, it is unclear if this deal will lead to Fubara’s quick recall, his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike reacting to the plea of the former Niger Delta warlord, Chief Ekpenumodo Tompolo insisted that the suspended Governor must apologise and seek forgiveness before he will be forgiven.