By Ogochukwu Isioma, Benin City
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s openness to all Nigerians regardless of political or religious affiliation, stressing, however, that security protocols must be observed by all visitors — including high-profile figures — in the interest of public safety.
This clarification comes amid the criticisms that trailed the Governor’s recent comments on the visit of Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to Edo State, where he donated N15 million to a faith-based hospital in Benin City. But Okpebholo’s reaction to the visit drew outrage from some quarters.
In reaction to Obi’s visit, Governor Okpebholo claimed that the former Anambra governor’s visit to Edo coincided with a resurgence of violence in Benin City, saying the former Labour Party presidential candidate must obtain clearance for subsequent visit to the state.
“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,” the Governor said.
Critics described the comment as unnecessary and hostile. Obi’s supporters argued that as a private citizen, he did not need anyone’s permission to visit any state.
But in a press release issued Sunday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor sought to set the record straight, insisting that he never issued any threats to Peter Obi.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the State,” the statement began.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasized 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.”
The Governor explained that his stance is rooted in his constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, tasked with safeguarding lives and property. He argued that high-profile visits, when carried out without coordination, create “serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.”
Okpebholo pointed to the growing incidence of attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests, and noted that public donations and high-profile appearances — while noble — often attract unwanted attention from criminal elements.
“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,” the statement read.
Citing the Bible in Matthew 6:2-4, the Governor said giving is best done privately, noting: “In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated.”
He also dismissed comparisons with past incidents involving other political leaders, noting: “Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna governor) when he visited Anambra (while Obi was governor).”
Okpebholo urged politicians to resist the temptation of twisting his concerns for “cheap political mileage,” warning that the state government would not fold its arms and allow lives to be endangered.
“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit,” he maintained.
Reassuring residents and visitors alike, the Governor reiterated his commitment to a safe and inclusive Edo State.
“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 statement added.
The Edo State Government, he concluded, “will continue to welcome all well-meaning Nigerians, provided appropriate security and procedural protocols are respected.”
