The Edo State Government has clarified that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent statement regarding Peter Obi’s visit to the state was not intended as a threat.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the government explained that the governor only advised the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate to obtain proper security clearance before visiting the state, stressing that the comment should not be misinterpreted.
Governor Okpebholo had, on July 18, referenced Obi’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, where the former Anambra State governor donated ₦15 million to support ongoing projects.
The governor noted that Obi’s visit unfortunately coincided with a surge in violence in the area, which led to the killing of three persons.
The governor said, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.
“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state, and this will not be tolerated.”
However, in a statement by the governor’s CPS, Fred Itua, he said that Okpebholo’s statement was given various misinterpretations.
The statement read, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.
“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.
“This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.
“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.”
Itua added that the governor’s position is relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.
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He noted that the state has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.
He noted that public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.
He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility. The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4 that, ‘when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’.
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.
“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. The state Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.
“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.
“Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility.
“The Edo State Government will continue to welcome all well-meaning Nigerians, provided appropriate security and procedural protocols are respected.”