Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has defended his remarks on Peter Obi, amid mounting backlash from human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), the African Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement.
The governor had stirred controversy after warning that Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, a statement critics described as a direct threat to Obi’s life and a dangerous precedent for democracy.
While Falana urged Obi to take legal action over what he termed an “illegal threat,” ADC and Obidient Movement leader, Dr Yunusa Tanko, accused Okpebholo of intimidation and spreading falsehoods.
The Edo State government, however, insisted that the governor’s comments at a rally on Friday were misinterpreted, stressing that his call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.
The governor slammed the critics, adding that the statement should not be misconstrued as a threat.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the government said that Okpebholo’s statement was given various misinterpretations.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.
“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 said the governor’s position was relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.
