Senator Monday Okpebholo, the executive governor of Edo State has insisted that Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate should notify him whenever he wishes to visit the state. He also noted that the statement is an advice and not a threat.
The governor had said that Obi’s visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences on June 7, where he donated N15 million for the completion of projects in the school, coincided with the resurgence of violence and the killing of three persons.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed.
“For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.
“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated.”
Fred Itua, the governor’s CPS in a statement released on Sunday stated that the governor’s statement has become a subject of misinterpretation.
However, the governor re-emphasized Fred Itua’s statement when he noted that his job is not limited to working for Edo people alone, but to provide adequate security for residents and visitors alike.
He said, “I am not supposed to talk much due to the rain. Even when they said I could talk, but just one sentence, everyone was crying.
“What I said was simply advice, don’t come to Edo without telling me.
“When I was saying it, was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus three to make my sentence? Do I need to read an encyclopedia before people can understand what I am saying?
“My job is not only to work for Edo people, but my job is to save the lives of Edo citizens and visitors coming into Edo.
” If telling him (Peter Obi) to notify me of his coming as the chief security officer of the state is a crime, so be it.
“I have no regrets about what I have said, and I repeat it: before you come into Edo State, notify me. It is not a threat.
“I went through this same process. I was advised when I came to the airport before the election by the then Commissioner of Police to remain at the airport.
“I ignored the advice and went out. My police 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.
“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra state to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State.
“If he likes, let him take my advice”, Okpebholo said.
