The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has responded to critics who condemned his threat against a planned visit by Peter Obi to the state.
Speaking at the commissioning of the New Edo Line in Benin City on Tuesday, the governor said he maintains his stance that Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party must get security clearance from him before visiting the state.
According to Okpebholo, his stance was not a threat issued to the former Anambra governor as perceived by many but an advice aimed at protecting the residents of Edo State and their guests.
Taunting his critics, Okpebholo said he only made one sentence which created the outrage over the weekend.
His words, “Just one word, one sentence and everybody was crying, I simply said, It’s advice, ‘Don’t come to Edo without telling me.’
“Was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus three to make my sentence? Do I need to read an encyclopedia for people to understand what I am saying? I want to be able to save the lives of every Edo citizen and visitors coming into Edo.
“I don’t know which one is paining them. Is it because I said they don’t have shishi? Didn’t they say they don’t have shishi, so why are they crying?”
“My job is to save lives—both of Edo people and visitors. If telling him, as the Chief Security Officer of this state, to notify me is a crime, so be it. I have no regrets. I repeat, before coming to Edo—notify me. It is not a threat. We have made our statement clear.
“I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State. If he likes, he can take it. If he likes, let him dwell on social media. It does not concern me,” Okpebholo stated.
It is clear and straight that His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebolo, is a man of few words loaded with intelligence and wisdom for the level-headed. Ex-Governor Peter Obi as a political figure is believed to understand the implications of impromptu visit to any landscape without prior notice the serving Governor, irrespective of the place. But, it is unfortunate some uncouth and uncultured individuals threw caution to wind, became rabid and displaying rascality by seizing social media and disparaging the incumbent Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, simply on the pro-active and courteous advice rendered to their own, in order to avert any possible hijack and disorder in Edo. It is presumptive Peter Obi cautions and calls his allies to order and remain refined. Period!