Edo Governor Okpebholo has firmly denied any allegations of threatening Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, following Obi’s recent visit to Edo State. This clarification comes after reports suggested that the governor warned Obi about facing “consequences” if he entered the state without prior notice to the government. Okpebholo insists that his words were misinterpreted and were not meant as a threat.
In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo explained that his comments were intended to emphasize the importance of following established security protocols. “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor has a constitutional responsibility to protect every individual, including high-profile visitors like Mr. Obi,” Itua stated. He added that the request for proper notification was simply to ensure safety and coordination, not to limit movement or politicize visits.
The governor highlighted that, given the increasing insecurity in the South-South region, it’s crucial for prominent political figures to inform relevant security agencies before any public events. “The governor was merely stressing the importance of security planning. No one is above protocol, and we owe it to the people of Edo State to maintain a safe environment for everyone,” the statement continued.
The supposed threat has drawn criticism from Labour Party lawmakers, who labeled the governor’s remarks as an attempt to intimidate Peter Obi. However, Okpebholo dismissed these claims as intentional mischief and political exaggeration. He reiterated that his administration respects the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to travel and associate freely, but emphasized that security protocols must be adhered to, especially for those in the political spotlight.
As the debate rages on, he described the situation as a “calculated attempt to twist facts.” He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring safety and security for all citizens. GMTNewsng
