Former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Francis Okiye, yesterday, warned political detractors to desist from the smear campaign targeted at his personality and his 2024 gubernatorial ambition.
Okiye, in a statement, expressed worry over a viral social media report allegedly sponsored by his political opponents ahead of the 2024 Edo Governorship Election.
The former speaker and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the viral video on YouTube and other social media handles, where he was alleged to be a member of a cult group sponsoring killings in Edo State is not only embarrassing, but a lie from the pit of hell.
The statement reads: “The trending report is false, vicious and malicious targeted at damaging my personality and my 2024 gubernatorial ambition.
“I have occupied public office since 2003 as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, becoming a majority leader, deputy chief of staff, the governor’s liaison officer to the Edo State House of Assembly and then the speaker.
Throughout these periods, I never associated with any cult group.” He warned those behind the defamatory publication to immediately retract it within seven days or face the consequences of the law.
