FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Member representing Esan West/Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency, Marcus Onobu has responded to allegations claiming that he was one of the masterminds behind the recent cult-related crisis in his hometown, Iruekpen.
Onobu, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, denied these accusations, describing them as outrageous and part of a deliberate attempt to pitch him against the state government.
He asserted that the allegations were concocted by political detractors to damage his hard-earned reputation and distract him from the important work he and other committed citizens from his community, Iruekpen are doing to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Representing Esan West/Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency, Onobu is the only Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmaker in the National Assembly.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that recently, Governor Monday Okpehbolo marked certain buildings belonging to opposition members for demolition, based on unproven claims that their owners were deeply involved in the cult-related crisis ravaging the state.
In a press statement, the lawmaker expressed astonishment at the malicious allegations made against him.
He stated that those spreading the false allegations intend to create a rift between him and his constituents.
He emphasised that he has never been involved in cultism and challenged anyone with contrary evidence to present it publicly.
“I was neither directly nor indirectly involved in any cult-related crisis,” he insisted, stating that his record of public service is as impeccable as anyone could imagine.
According to him, he was informed that the clash leading to the mention of his name involved two indigenes of his community at a brothel within cattle market, far from his residence.
He also emphasised that the safety and security of the people are his top priorities, as development cannot thrive in a void.
Consequently, he said himself and some indigenes of Iruekpen spearheaded the efforts to improve security in the community, resulting in the recent commissioning of a police station.
He revealed that the last time he was in Iruekpen was on April 22 and expressed shock as to why anyone with sound judgment would want to associate him with such a heinous crime.
The former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly emphatically stated that the allegations were meant to silence the opposition, as well as create a conducive environment for an attack on their businesses and homes.
Referring to his strong belief in the rule of law, Onobu highlighted some of his most notable achievements during his public service and tenure as speaker.
They include initiatives focused on youth empowerment through education, skills acquisition and mentoring, all of which he noted were aimed at improving the people rather than elevating cultism and other social vices as his detractors have attempted to paint.
He urged the media and public to dismiss the allegations against him and to verify facts before sharing information.
Additionally, he called on those spreading these malicious claims to refrain from engaging in character assassination, stressing the state requires all hands to be on deck to tackle its current challenges.
He reaffirmed his commitment to better serving the people, stating that the development of the community is a top priority for him.
