Peter Obi: Why we insist on security protocols – Edo gov’t

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has denied issuing a threat to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, following his recent visit to the state. Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, and made a donation to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of […]

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has denied issuing a threat to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, following his recent visit to the state.

Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, and made a donation to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school.

Okpebholo, however, condemned Obi’s visit to the state, insisting that his visit coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state.

The governor had warned Obi against visiting the state again without prior notice or facing the consequences.

Meanwhile, his remarks have been greeted with a lot of backlash and condemnation from both some prominent Nigerians and social media commentators.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said that his remarks were misinterpreted.

Itua said 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.”

The statement said the governor’s 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.”

“Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics,” he said.

The statement said Edo State had witnessed its share of tragic incidents, including the “abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years,” adding 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.”

According to the statement, Okpebholo’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.

“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.

“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 statement said.