Security Record: Oshiomhole Got The Facts Wrong On Peter Obi – Ogene
The Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has dismissed as inaccurate and misleading the claim by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, that his security record in Edo State surpassed that of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
In a recent podcast interview, Senator Oshiomhole alleged that Obi’s performance on security in Anambra was poor and argued that he lacks the capacity to address Nigeria’s current security challenges.
Responding, Ogene stated that the security record of the Obi administration remains a matter of public record and should be assessed on the basis of verifiable facts rather than political commentary.
“The attempt to reinterpret well-documented events does not serve the public interest. Nigerians deserve an objective assessment of the records of those who have held public office,” Ogene said.
According to him, several of the claims made by Senator Oshiomhole do not align with historical facts.
“For the record, the Bakassi Boys operated during the four-year administration of the late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Between that period and Obi’s assumption of office in 2006, Anambra was governed by Dr. Chris Ngige for about three years. Any fair assessment of the state’s security history must take these facts into account,” he noted.
Ogene also disputed Oshiomhole’s claim that the demolition of kidnappers’ hideouts began under the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano.
“The policy of identifying and demolishing properties linked to kidnapping activities was initiated and implemented during Obi’s administration as part of broader efforts to combat crime and restore public confidence in security institutions,” he said.
He further recalled that Obi’s government invested significantly in community-based security architecture through the recruitment, training, equipping, and support of security structures across Anambra’s 177 communities.
“Many of the security initiatives introduced during that period reflected a proactive approach that strengthened collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies,” Ogene added.
Ogene also referenced the testimony of Philemon Leha, who served as Commissioner of Police in Anambra during Obi’s tenure.
According to Leha: “As I undertook my assignment in the state, I was greatly encouraged by the commitment and determined focus of Governor Obi. Security was on his priority list, and he always offered us logistics and other support on a scale I had not witnessed elsewhere.”
Ogene said such testimony from a senior security official who served in the state provides valuable insight into the administration’s commitment to security.
“The contributions of any administration should be judged on the basis of evidence, documented achievements, and the testimony of those directly involved in governance and security management,” he stated.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over what he described as the increasing frequency of attacks on Peter Obi by political actors across party lines.
“The sustained focus on Mr. Obi by political opponents reflects his growing relevance in national discourse and the conversation around Nigeria’s future leadership. However, political competition should be driven by ideas, policies, and records of service rather than attempts to distort facts,” Ogene said.
He emphasized that every Nigerian who meets the constitutional requirements has the right to seek elective office, including the presidency.
“Mr. Peter Obi, like every other qualified Nigerian, is entitled to exercise his constitutional and democratic rights. The electorate should ultimately be allowed to make their choice based on facts, performance, and vision for the country,” Ogene concluded.
