Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his stance that Labour Party’s presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, must inform the state government ahead of any planned visit to Edo.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the New Edo Line transport company in Benin City on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier statement regarding Peter Obi’s visit. He emphasized that the directive is not politically motivated or intended as a threat, but rather a necessary security protocol.
According to the governor, his primary responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State is to safeguard the lives and property of both residents and visitors within the state, regardless of political party or social standing.
He said: “I don’t need to read an encyclopedia for people to understand what I was saying. My job is to save lives—both of Edo people and visitors. If telling him, as the Chief Security Officer of this state, to notify me is a crime, so be it. I have no regrets. I repeat, before coming to Edo—notify me. It is not a threat. We have made our statement clear.”
Governor Okpebholo also cited a harrowing personal experience to stress the importance of security coordination. He recalled an incident during a previous political event where he ignored security advice, which tragically resulted in the death of his police escort.
“I went through this same process. When I came to the airport, the Commissioner of Police advised me to remain at the airport. I ignored it. My police escort was shot dead right in front of me,” he recounted.
The governor reiterated that ensuring a secure environment for all is a non-negotiable duty of any sitting governor, and notifications from political figures or dignitaries planning visits are standard procedures to help prevent avoidable risks.