Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpeholo, on Sunday responded to criticisms trailing his comment directing the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to seek security clearance before coming to the state.
Governor Okpebholo had during the weekend in Uromi, Esan North East local government area of the state asked the former presidential candidate to obtain clearance to prevent crisis as reportedly recorded during a previous visit.
Responding to the criticisms, the Edo State governor maintained that his remark was strong rooted on security concerns and not a threat to Mr. Obi.
He regretted that his remarks was given various misinterpretations and political colouration, rather than the true import of his statement.
Okpebholo, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the “position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.
Itua stated, “It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasised 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.
“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. This 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.”
He noted that Edo State has witnessed its share of tragic incidents of abductions, including the kidnapping of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.
Governor Okpebholo further advised 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.
“The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.
“The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6 : 2 – 4 that, “when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet, but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
“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.
“Furthermore, 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.”
The statement maintained that Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. Adding that, “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.”
He stressed further that Edo State Government will continue to welcome all well-meaning Nigerians, provided appropriate security and procedural protocols were respected.
