Okpebholo clarifies comment on Obi, says it was protocol, not threat
By Jeffrey Agbo
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has clarified his earlier comment regarding former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, entering the state without prior clearance.
He stated that the remark was not intended as a threat, but rather a directive grounded in security and protocol considerations.
Governor Okpebholo had sparked reactions during a political rally in Uromi on Friday, where he stated that Obi should not enter Edo without notifying the state government.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor emphasised that the directive was about ensuring proper security arrangements, particularly during high-profile visits.
“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 noted that the directive was especially relevant in light of increasing attacks on religious leaders and public figures in the country.
“Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics,” the statement said.
Addressing concerns over public donations, the statement urged caution and discretion when making charitable contributions to religious or faith-based institutions, citing both moral and security considerations.
“Edo State has witnessed its share of these 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.
“The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6:2–4 that, ‘when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet… but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you,'” the statement said.
Referencing Obi’s past actions, the statement added: “In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.”
Itua urged the public not to politicise the governor’s position or misinterpret it for personal or partisan gain.
“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,” the statement concluded.
