Edo Governor Okpebholo Denies Threatening Peter Obi Over State Visit, Clarifies Security Protocols

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially refuted claims that he issued any threat to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, following Obi’s recent visit to Edo State.

Recall that Peter Obi had visited Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where he made a charitable donation to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support the completion of ongoing projects in the institution.

Governor Okpebholo expressed disapproval of Obi’s visit, asserting that it coincided with a noticeable uptick in violent incidents within the state. He emphasized the importance of adhering to established state protocols, particularly for politically influential figures like Peter Obi, when visiting Edo State.

Previously, reports circulated that the governor had allegedly warned Obi to refrain from entering the state again without giving due notice to the state authorities, or he might face unspecified consequences. This claim stirred significant controversy across Nigeria, eliciting strong criticism and public outcry from notable Nigerian figures and a broad spectrum of social media users.

In response to the growing backlash, the Edo State Government released an official statement through the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday. The statement sought to clarify the governor’s earlier comments and dispel any misconceptions.

“The Edo State Government is aware of the various misinterpretations of the recent comments made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, concerning the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the state,” the statement read.

“For the record, the governor did not issue any threats towards Mr. Obi. Rather, he emphasized the necessity for notable figures, especially those holding political significance, to inform the state government and seek necessary security clearances prior to engaging in public activities within Edo State.”

The statement further stressed that the government cannot afford to overlook politically-driven activities that could potentially endanger the safety and well-being of Edo residents. It underlined that leaders of all calibers, regardless of status or political affiliations, are expected to align with local protocols and observe security measures pertinent to the regions they intend to visit.

This clarification aims to ensure that political engagements in Edo State proceed with proper coordination, minimizing risks and upholding public safety standards