Wike insists Obi obtains clearance before visiting Edo, Okpebholo says admonition not issued as threat
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has backed Edo State Governor’s admonition to the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to Wike, the insistence to obtain clearance from the Governor before visiting the State is to ensure Obi’s safety.
The FCT Minister gave the charge on Tuesday, while commissioning the new Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, alongside Sen. Adams Oshiomhole and other dignitaries.
Wike supported Governor Monday Okpebholo on security protocols for high profile Nigerians like Peter Obi, insisting that the former LP presidential candidate inform State Governors of his visit, for security reasons, stating that as Governor of Rivers State, Obi secured permission before coming to the State.
Addressing the same issue at the occasion was Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who asserted that he would not be distracted by criticisms on the media space, noting that his admonition was an advice to Peter Obi, not a threat.
“What I said was an advice to him and it was never a threat. Do not come to Edo without telling me. This is a clear statement. I am not here to only work for Edo people but also in government to protect Edo people and visitors coming to the State.
“I only told Mr. Peter Obi to notify me as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State when coming to the State. Is that a crime?” Okpebholo questioned.
The Governor further noted that his advice to Peter Obi was only based on current security reports.
Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had kept the media space buzzing when he declared that Peter Obi should not visit Edo State without first informing him.
The statement had generated a huge media backlash across the country, especially on the social media space. While many Nigerians criticised it as politically motivated, in view of the 2027 general election, some agreed with Okpebholo on the security need for his assertion.
