Kogi Deputy Governor Denies Involvement in Alleged Assault on SDP Members »

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State has refuted allegations that Comrade Joel Salifu was involved in an alleged attack on members of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) during a meeting in Ejule.

The rebuttal, issued on Saturday by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, followed claims made earlier in the day by one Omera Opaluwa, who accused the Deputy Governor of orchestrating the assault in collaboration with unnamed individuals.

Describing the allegations as “baseless” and “misleading,” Emmanuel said the Deputy Governor has been out of the state on official duties since Thursday, May 15, and is not expected to return until Monday, May 19, making any direct involvement impossible.

“It is clear that the opposition SDP is consumed by internal divisions and factional disputes,” the statement said. “The party’s own internal wrangling is likely responsible for the incident, rather than any action by the Deputy Governor.”

The statement also criticized the SDP for what it called a pattern of “unfounded accusations and a blame game,” and urged the party to focus on resolving its internal crises instead of making public accusations.

Emmanuel reaffirmed the Deputy Governor’s commitment to democratic ideals, including the role of a vibrant opposition, and dismissed the idea that Salifu would attempt to suppress dissenting voices.

He also called on the SDP to “eschew politics of bitterness and falsehood” and refrain from inciting the public against Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration.