Okpebholo Clarifies Statement on Peter Obi's Visit, Says No Threat Was Issued

The Edo State Government has broken its silence following the viral backlash over comments made by Governor Monday Okpebholo regarding the recent visit of the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi. Contrary to widespread claims that the governor issued threats against Obi, the government insists that the remarks were a responsible security advisory rooted in constitutional obligation.

In a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, and dated Sunday, July 20, 2025, the government emphasized that Edo remains open to all Nigerians-including high-profile visitors like Peter Obi-but insisted that standard security protocols must be followed.

The statement clarified that the governor did not in any way threaten Mr. Obi, but instead stressed the importance of notifying the state authorities before any public engagement, especially by politically exposed persons. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Okpebholo is duty-bound to protect both citizens and visitors, particularly in the face of escalating security threats in the region.

The government referenced the growing trend of attacks on religious leaders-particularly Catholic priests and Christian clerics-as a key factor behind the governor's concerns. Edo State, like many other parts of the country, has suffered several high-profile abductions and killings in recent years, including those of seminarians and clergy.

The statement also referenced Peter Obi's recent visit to a nursing college in Benin where he donated 15 million, highlighting that while such generosity is noble, it must be approached with discretion and coordinated through appropriate security channels to avoid inadvertently endangering the institutions or individuals involved.

Quoting from Matthew 6:2-4, the Governor's Office also drew moral and spiritual parallels, noting that public donations should be guided by both security intelligence and Biblical principles. "When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets... so that your giving may be in secret," the statement emphasized.

In a pointed comment, the release added: "Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.ÔÇØ This comparison underlined the irony in the controversy and served as a subtle reminder of political precedents.

The Edo State Government urged Nigerians to resist twisting the governor's words for political gain, warning that unnecessary sensationalism only worsens public anxiety and undermines efforts at securing lives and property.

While the administration reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and national unity, it insisted that political leaders-no matter how highly placed-must align with local security measures when visiting any part of the country.

"Governor Okpebholo is committed to building a safe and inclusive Edo State. His remarks are not born of hostility but of responsible governance,ÔÇØ the statement concluded.