By Mick Oseji Asaba
Edo State deputy governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa, yesterday refuted the allegation of being a member of a secret cult group, describing it as malicious, defamatory and unfounded.
In his refutation, Idahosa distanced himself from any involvement in cultism and declared that “I am not, and have never been, a member of any secret cult. I am a Christian and a steadfast believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
He threatened to institute legal action against one Emmanuel Aigbogun identified as being behind the allegation for defaming his character.
Idahosa in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, said his attention was drawn to a circulating video on social media where the said Emmanuel Agbogun falsely accused him of being a member of a secret cult.
The Daily Crucible reports that the Edo State government had waged a war against cult groups in Edo State by demolishing their centres and conducting mass arrest of suspected members.
The deputy governor vehemently denied the allegation and categorically dismissed it as “spurious, defamatory, malicious, unfounded and grossly misleading.”
He said, “In the said publication, Mr. Agbogun mentioned my name and those of other notable citizens of Edo State, alleging that we are members of various cult groups in the state.
“I categorically state that these accusations are spurious, defamatory, malicious, unfounded and grossly misleading.”
They are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my hard-earned reputation and undermine my unwavering dedication to public service.
“These allegations also seek to distract this administration’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism and restore peace and order in Edo State. The claim that I am affiliated to any secret cult group is entirely false and baseless.
“I vehemently deny any involvement, both past or present in cult-related activities. As a public servant and the current deputy governor of Edo State, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in serving the good people of Edo State and Nigeria at large.
“Let me again reiterate that I consider this publication not only slanderous but also a direct attack on my character. I will not treat it lightly and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that such defamation is addressed within the full extent of the law.
“This administration remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other societal vices. Cult-related activities are a menace to our communities and the development of our dear state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to root them out.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not, and have never been, a member of any secret cult. I am a Christian and a steadfast believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
