By Ajewole Joshua |ABNews|
Benin City – The newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, is facing heavy backlash following a controversial statement in which he claimed that Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate, would not have security protection in the state if he visited without prior notice to the state government.
Governor Okpebholo, while addressing his followers recently, referenced Obi’s previous visit to Edo where the former Anambra governor donated ₦15 million to people, a visit Okpebholo claimed led to the deaths of three individuals afterwards. He went on to say that Obi’s security “cannot be guaranteed” if he entered Edo State without formally informing the state authorities.
The governor’s statement has stirred outrage, particularly on Facebook, where citizens and political observers condemned his remarks as reckless and politically motivated.
On a viral Facebook post reporting his comments, many Nigerians criticized the governor for threatening the safety of a national figure over politics.
Omamuli Jackson wrote:
“Edolites behold your governor, you chose him instead of Asue Ighodalo. God, illiteracy oooo. Please Edo people should enroll this man in adult education or evening class.”
Agbo Kenneth lamented, saying:
“Chai! Edo State don enter one chance with agbero as a Governor.”
Uchechukwu expressed concern about the governor’s understanding of national politics:
“I believe someone should call this man to order. Does he even know the gravity of these comments he is making? Obi never said he doesn’t have shishi. He said he no dey give shishi to political jobbers.”
Paul Yakubu accused the governor of politicizing issues of security:
“Governor speaking like a tout… must everything be politicized? Even if it’s something that will bring relief and hope to your citizens. Peter Obi is not someone who will break protocol, especially on security.”
Austin wrote:
“Imagine, someone who calls himself governor in Nigeria telling a fellow Nigerian he cannot guarantee his safety. These are people we call leaders just because of politics.”
Positive Hope sarcastically added:
“So upon all the people wey dey around Osho Baba, na this okoko him see to give Edo people… shame dey catch me.”
Critics argue that the new governor’s comments send a dangerous signal in a democratic nation where freedom of movement is a constitutional right. Many view his words as an indirect threat to Obi’s personal safety and an attempt to intimidate opposition voices.
Legal analysts warn that such statements could provoke political tension and tarnish the image of Edo State, particularly as elections approach.
As the backlash grows, many citizens are calling on Governor Okpebholo to clarify or retract his statement and reassure both Edo people and visitors that the state remains safe for all, regardless of political affiliation.
At the time of this report, efforts to reach the Edo State Government for an official response were unsuccessful.
