My attention has been drawn to a series of malicious social media publications circulated within the last forty-eight hours by an individual seeking to malign my person and cast aspersions on my standing in the public space.

Ordinarily, such conduct would not deserve a response. Public life naturally attracts criticism, and a healthy democracy must allow room for debate and disagreement. However, when deliberate falsehoods are deployed to mislead the public and to damage reputations, it becomes necessary to set the record straight.

For the avoidance of doubt, I remain Dr. Washington Osa. Osifo, a citizen whose professional life and record of public service are open to scrutiny. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving Edo State as Commissioner on multiple occasions and of contributing in various ways to the development of our State and the well-being of our people. These are matters of public record and cannot be erased by the noise of social media provocateurs.

More importantly, I wish to state that credible information available to me suggests that the individual behind these publications is being sponsored or encouraged by certain political actors who are evidently uncomfortable with the growing popularity and broad acceptance my aspiration has received across Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode.

It is unfortunate that instead of engaging the people with ideas, vision and programmes for development, some individuals have chosen the path of smear campaigns, online harassment and the politics of distraction.

Let it be clearly understood that such tactics will not deter us. The people of Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency deserve serious conversations about the issues that affect their lives: infrastructure, economic opportunities, youth empowerment, education, security and effective representation at the National Assembly.

Our aspiration is rooted in service, not in insults. It is built on the confidence and encouragement of the people, not on manufactured propaganda. The attempt by a few individuals to weaponise social media to sow confusion will ultimately fail, because the people of our constituency are discerning and cannot be misled by orchestrated campaigns of misinformation.

We remain calm, focused and determined. The energy we bring to this journey will continue to be directed towards constructive engagement with our people and the advancement of their collective interest. In the end, truth will prevail, and the people will decide.

I hereby call on all, including those who think they can diminish me with smear campaigns, to join me in moving our constituency forward, in my acclaimed principle of friendship to all and malice to none.

I thank the good people of Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency for their overwhelming support and encouragement.