Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, insisted that 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi must inform him for security clearance before coming to the state.
This is as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who was the guest of honour at the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service, backed Governor Okpebholo on security protocols for high profile Nigerians like the former Anambra State governor.
Okpebholo said his job included protection of lives of all Edo people and visitors coming to the state.
The Edo Governor maintained that his comments were not threat to Obi, but a simple advice.
According to him, “I don’t need to read encyclopedia for people to understand what I was saying. My job is to save lives including all Edo people and visitors coming to Edo.
“If telling him as the Chief Security of this state is a crime, so be it. I have no regret about it. I repeat it, before coming to Edo, notify me. It is not a threat. We have made our statement clear.”
Okpebholo said he went through this same process. “I was advised when I came to the airport by then Commissioner of Policeman to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice and went out. My policeman escort was shot dead before my eyes.
“I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State, if he likes, let him take it; if he likes, let him dwell on social media. It does not concern me.”
Speaking on the New Edo Line, Governor Okpebholo said the project was possible because of support from President Bola Tinubu.
“What we are seeing today is a dream come true. Edo people have been in the wilderness for a very long time. Thank God they open their eyes and choose to follow the path of Lagos this time around,” he said.
Address the gathering before commissioning, the FCT Minister noted that when Obi visited him while he was the Governor of Rivers States, he secured a permit before embarking on that journey. He wondered why he did not observe the same protocol when he visited Edo State.
“I thank God for the people of Edo State for standing firm during the election of Monday Okpebholo. The Governor has prepared himself as far as I am concerned. He is focused on making sure he delivers the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The Governor refused to be distracted, and in eight months, he has done so much for Edo people. Just like what Mr. President did immediately, he was inaugurated. He hit the ground running. That is what Senator Okpebholo has done today by making sure there are no excuses.
“Assuming that the Supreme Court had ruled against him, what it would have meant is that for a few months, he showed the people of Edo that he was committed to work for them.
“I do not identify with failure. I identify with people who mean well for their people. One of the things that you have done for bringing back this new Edo Line is to solve the problem of insecurity,” Wike said.
