Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has said his comment about Peter Obi needing clearance before entering the state was not a threat.
According to him, it was a simple matter of protocol and security, not political bullying.
Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had donated ₦15 million to a nursing school in Edo. That gesture attracted praise — and a backlash.
At a rally in Uromi, Okpebholo said Obi should not step foot in the state without prior notice. The remark stirred outrage online.
But now, the governor says his statement was misunderstood. According to his media aide, Fred Itua, there are standard security steps all public figures should observe.
High-profile Visits Must Respect Protocol
In the statement issued Sunday, the government stressed that security procedures apply to everyone — no matter how popular or generous.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike,” Itua said.
He explained that visits by politicians, clergy, or other public figures often attract crowds and media attention, which increases security risk.
“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” he added.
Itua linked the issue to recent attacks on Christian leaders in Edo, especially Catholic priests. He said the state had seen abductions and killings of clergy in recent years.
Public Giving Must Consider Security
The governor also raised concerns about high-profile donations made openly to faith-based institutions. He said such giving, though well-meaning, can expose vulnerable groups.
“Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions must be approached with caution,” Itua noted.
Quoting the Bible, he said giving should be discreet, referencing Matthew 6:2–4.
“Do not announce it with trumpet… when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” the statement quoted.
Itua said this principle is not just spiritual but also practical in today’s Nigeria.
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated,” he said.
Governor Jabs Obi Over 2013 El-Rufai Incident
Okpebholo also threw a jab at Peter Obi over a past incident involving Nasir El-Rufai. In 2013, El-Rufai, then a member of the APC, was reportedly detained in Anambra under Obi’s government.
“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited,” the statement said.
The governor’s team said the Obi camp should not twist a basic protocol directive into a political battle.
“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit,” Itua stated.
Edo Government insists it will not sit idly by and watch the lives of its citizens be endangered by “politically motivated activities.”
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