Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has clarified that his recent comments regarding former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, were not intended as a threat but rather as a reminder of standard security protocols expected during high-profile visits to the state.
The clarification follows public backlash and media reactions to Governor Okpebholo’s statement made during a political rally in Uromi on Friday, where he remarked that Peter Obi should not visit Edo State without receiving prior clearance from the state government. The comment was widely interpreted by some as a politically motivated warning or veiled threat.
However, in a formal statement issued on Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his statement was grounded in his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state and was focused solely on public safety and security coordination.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of residents and visitors alike. This responsibility includes ensuring proper security arrangements during high-profile visits or events likely to attract large gatherings or media attention,” the statement read.
Fred Itua further explained that the governor's position stemmed from a growing concern over national security threats, especially those targeting religious leaders and prominent figures. He pointed out that Edo State has not been spared from these challenges, having experienced incidents involving the abduction and killing of clergy, including seminarians, in recent years.
He noted that Governor Okpebholo's intent was to prevent any situation that might endanger visitors or disrupt public order, particularly during politically sensitive times. The statement reiterated that this was a precautionary stance and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to intimidate or obstruct any political actor.
In addition, the governor addressed the issue of public donations often made during such visits. While appreciating the charitable intentions of visiting dignitaries, he advised that such acts be carried out with discretion and in consultation with security agencies to avoid inadvertently making the beneficiaries vulnerable to criminal targeting.
“Public giving, especially in volatile times, must be handled carefully. The governor’s advice aligns with biblical guidance in Matthew 6:2–4, which emphasizes private charity over public display,” the statement added.
To support his point, Governor Okpebholo referenced a similar situation from Peter Obi’s own time as governor of Anambra State. He recalled that Obi, in his capacity as governor, once ordered the detention of former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai during a visit to Anambra due to concerns over proper security protocol and lack of clearance—a precedent, Okpebholo argued, that underscores the importance of respecting state-level procedures irrespective of political affiliation or prominence.
He urged that the matter not be politicized and called on all political leaders, regardless of their status or platform, to respect the established laws and security guidelines of any state they intend to visit. He emphasized that adherence to such protocols is vital to ensuring peaceful and secure engagements across the country.
“The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically driven actions to compromise public safety. Leaders, regardless of their stature, are expected to comply with the security and protocol standards of any region they visit,” the statement concluded.