By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has refuted claims that he threatened Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, following Obi’s recent visit to the state.
Obi had traveled to Benin City to make a donation to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, aimed at completing ongoing projects. However, Governor Okpebholo raised concerns about the timing of the visit, which coincided with a rise in local violence.
He warned that future visits from Obi and other high-profile individuals should be coordinated with the state government in advance, cautioning that failure to follow proper protocol could lead to serious consequences.
The governor’s remarks drew criticism from several quarters, with many interpreting them as a direct threat. In response to the backlash, Okpebholo’s office issued a statement clarifying the situation.
The statement, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, explained that the governor had not made any threats, but was simply underscoring the need for high-profile figures to notify the state government and obtain security clearance before participating in public activities in Edo State.
The statement further emphasized that the governor’s intention was to protect public safety and prevent politically motivated events from compromising security. It concluded by urging all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, to respect local security protocols when visiting different parts of Nigeria.
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