By SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has described as misleading, media reports that five mosques were burnt during the protests over the withdrawal of fuel subsidy in the state and accused politicians of sponsoring crisis in the state.

Speaking to newsmen at Government House, Oshiomhole, who stated that the protests witnessed last Monday across the nation demonstrated “that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria,” said no single mosque or church was burnt contrary to reports in a newspaper (not Vanguard).

The governor who took newsmen round the streets of Benin, with a view to verifying that no mosque was burnt in the state, asserted that “going round the city today, you will find that the riotous elements have been put out. There are people in Edo State who have been out of office as a result of the manner they mismanaged the economy of the state over the years who want to hide under this to sponsor some miscreants to cause trouble.”

He alleged that the story was planted in the newspaper with the intention of creating fear in the minds of the ordinary citizens. He said the grievances of the protesters were about price of petroleum  products and not a religious battle.

Oshiomhole further stressed that “at this hour, we must put Nigeria first and indeed the interest of the very ordinary people who are also hit by the policy they are protesting against.

“The agenda is fuel price increase, let nobody hide under this to cause tension in the state. Let us put Nigeria first and the interests of ordinary Nigerians. Nobody can benefit from such rumours because it will be double loss to the poor if the little they have is taken away by hoodlums,” he noted.

The governor disclosed that those who were frightened by the rumour were going back to their houses.

According to him, “the security of ordinary people who are the targets of miscreants should be guaranteed. Edo people in history are not known for vengeance and I can confirm, no Edo person in any part of the country has been attacked.”

Comrade Oshiomhole said everybody residing in Edo State should regard themselves as indigenes and be reassured that government would ensure that they enjoyed the rights and privileges to live in freedom.

“The government will take steps to defend the inalienable rights of everyone who resides in the state, even those passing through the state,” he added.