Edo Gov Defends Security Clearance Demand for Peter Obi, Says It’s Not a Threat
The Edo State Government has responded to backlash following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s comments about Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent visit, insisting the governor’s words were not a threat but a call for proper security protocol.
The tension began after Governor Okpebholo, on July 18, remarked that Obi must get security clearance before visiting Edo again. He referenced Obi’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, during which the former Anambra governor donated ₦15 million.
According to Okpebholo, Obi’s presence coincided with a surge in violence that left three people dead shortly after the event.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from?”
Okpebholo asked at a public event. “After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
That statement drew swift criticism from across the political spectrum, with some interpreting it as a veiled travel ban or political intimidation. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others described the governor’s tone as undemocratic and unnecessary.
To add fuel to the fire, Nigerians, especially on X have unearthed Governor Okpebholo’s 2008 WAEC result, highlighting his E8 grade in Government, ironically during a period when Peter Obi served as Governor of Anambra State.
In other news, iNaijanow recently shared a post on Buba Galadima’s tribute to Buhari as he declared he had forgiven Buhari in any way he wronged him, knowingly or unknowingly.
Ignoring the WAEC result saga, the Edo State Government moved quickly to clarify the governor’s statement. In a statement issued Sunday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the government said Okpebholo’s remarks had been taken out of context.
The governor, it claimed, did not threaten Obi but rather stressed the need for security coordination for high-profile visits.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Okpebholo is constitutionally tasked with protecting lives and property,” Itua stated. “This includes ensuring that adequate security arrangements are in place whenever a politically exposed person or high-profile individual visits Edo.”
The state emphasized that Obi’s visit, though well-intentioned, lacked prior notice and security planning, which could have helped prevent chaos or unintended fallout.
Security analysts have noted that targeted attacks on religious leaders and institutions have increased across the state. Edo has seen abductions and killings of Catholic priests, seminarians, and other Christian leaders in recent years.
The government argues that any high-profile public appearance, especially one involving large donations, could draw unwanted attention to vulnerable communities.
“Public giving must be handled with both moral responsibility and security consciousness,” Itua added, referencing Matthew 6:2-4 to argue that discretion in charitable acts is not just biblical but practical in today’s Nigeria.
But not everyone is buying the moral framing. A senior Labour Party official, speaking off the record, said the governor’s comments were a thinly veiled political attack, aimed at undermining Obi’s growing influence in southern Nigeria. “Obi has supporters everywhere. This has nothing to do with security. It’s about politics.”
Meanwhile, some Edo residents appear divided. While some back the governor’s position, citing the importance of law and order, others fear that restricting political figures from visiting could stifle free speech and political participation.
Political commentator Bassey Edem told our correspondent: “We’ve seen governors weaponize security protocols before. While the governor has every right to enforce security, it must be done transparently. Otherwise, it looks like selective enforcement.”
Interestingly, Governor Okpebholo also reminded critics that Peter Obi himself once detained then-Governor Nasir El-Rufai in Anambra during a 2013 visit. “So let’s not act like Obi hasn’t done the same,” the governor noted in a pointed jab.
Despite the storm, the Edo Government insists it remains open to all Nigerians—Peter Obi included.
“Edo is not closing its doors to anyone,” Itua concluded. “But we expect every visitor, no matter how highly placed, to respect the state’s security framework. We’re building a safer Edo, not playing politics.”
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