The Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denied issuing threat to Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
Okpebholo said he only emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons to notify and seek security clearance from him before embarking on any public engagements within the Ssate.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Fred Itua, the governor explained that it’s his constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors.
He added, “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.”
The governor came under criticism after he claimed Mr. Peter Obi’s security won’t be guaranteed if he visits Edo state without getting clearance from him.
Okpebholo who made the comment at a political rally on Friday in Uromi, also lashed out at Obi’s philanthropic gesture of #15 million donation to St. Philomena Hospital Nursing School during his visit to the State on July 7th.
“Somebody that said he doesn’t give shishi (money)… Where did he get #15 million to donate to people?
“By the time he left, there was crisis. Three people died in Benin.
“For that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me,” the governor had stated.
Continuing on the statement, Okpebholo attributed his stance to the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and clerics.
He noted, “public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution.
“It must be in full consultation with the appropriate security channels, to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.”
According to him, “The holy scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4.
“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.”