A chieftain of thePeoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Edo Central, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has denied sponsoring thugs who allegedly attacked the motorcade of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate on Thursday in Benin City.

Inegbeniki, in a statement on Thursday, said his attention was drawn to the false and misleading allegations against him being circulated on social media.

He said: “It is not true that I led or sponsored thugs who attacked the convoy of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate in Benin City. As I speak, I am in my village, and I have been in my village, I was never in Benin when or as at the time the said incident took place.

“It is very wrong for anyone or for any reason to accuse me of leading thugs on that attack. I urge the government, security agencies and the general public to disregard the falsehood “

The Esan politician also said he is a peaceful and law-abiding Nigerian and as an elder statesman will never contemplate such act

“The election is around the corner, and I quite understand that my enemies would do anything desperately to blackmail me or tarnish my reputation,” he said. (The Nation)