Atiku tells Okpebholo, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!” in the opposition trying to rescue Nigeria

Atiku tells Okpebholo, you are wrong to say, “We cannot guarantee [Obi’s] safety … if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking”

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Atiku Abubabar, former Vice President now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, has warned against threats to opposition leaders trying to rescue Nigeria from the abyss of mismanagement into which Bola Tinubu has sunk it, a process deepened by his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!” Atiku posted on his X handle, referring to the threat issued to Obi of the Labour Party (LP) by Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Edo is a staunch Obi state having carried 71 per cent of its votes in the 2023 presidential election.

Okpebholo announced at a rally of his own supporters in Benin City on July 18 that Obi  must obtain security clearance from him before visiting the state or else he will have himself to blame.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety, otherwise if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he declared.

Okpebholo claimed that the last time Obi visited Edo and donated N15 million to a nursing school, there was unrest in the state leading to the death of some people.

He rode into a storm of backlash from many ordinary Nigerians and notable individuals, which on Tuesday made him to embark on damage control, clarifying that his comments were misinterpreted, as his call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.

Back on Sunday, Okepbholo’s Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua stressed that his principal’s statement was given various misinterpretations anchored on threat.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state,” Itua began in a statement.

“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,” the statement read.

Itua said Okpebholo’s position is relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

He also said:

• Edo has witnessed its share of tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.

• 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 .…

“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.”

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