Seemingly unperturbed by the widespread outrage and condemnation over his warning to Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, that his safety “can never be guaranteed” should he visit Edo State without his permission, a defiant Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, declared that he had no regret uttering such perceived threat. He also contended that he would not be distracted with criticisms coming from the social media.
Standing his ground when he spoke at the commissioning of the New Edo Line transport company in Benin City, the state capital, Governor Okpebholo insisted that his comments were not threat to Obi but a simple advice.
Newsmata.com,ng reports that Okpebholo’s special guest, Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and former Rivers State governor, who commissioned the 1000 buses in the fleet, also supported his position.
According to Governor Okpebholo, “I don’t need to read encyclopedia for people to understand what I was saying. My job is to save lives, including all Edo people and visitors coming to Edo. If telling him as the Chief Security of this state is a crime, so be it. I have no regret about it. I repeat it – before coming to Edo, notify me. It is not a threat. We have made our statement clear.
“I went through this same process. I was advised when I came to the airport by then Commissioner of Policeman to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice and went out. My policeman escort was shot dead before my eyes. I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State, if he likes, let him take it, if he likes, let him dwell on social media; it does not concern me.
“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra State to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State. If he likes, let him take my advice”.
Speaking on the New Edo Line, Governor Okpebholo said the project was possible because of support from President Bola Tinubu.
“I will continue to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he loves Edo so much, and Edo people are enjoying his support which has transformed into developmental strides.
“What we are seeing today is a dream come true. Edo people have been in the wilderness for a very long time. Thank God they open their eyes and choose to follow the path of Lagos this time around.”
The governor commended Edo people for the opportunity given to him as their Governor and expressed readiness to serve them, promising that they would continue to see and experience remarkable projects that will touch their lives for the better.
Backing Governor Okpebholo on his insistence on security protocols for high profile Nigerians like Obi, Wike, the guest of honour at the event, noted that when Obi visited him while he was the Governor of Rivers States, he secured a permit before embarking on that journey.
Wike wondered why he did not observe the same protocol when he visited Edo State.
According to the FCT minister, “I thank God for the people of Edo State for standing firm during the election of Monday Okpebholo. The Governor has prepared himself as far as I am concerned. He is focused on making sure he delivers the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The Governor refused to be distracted, and in eight months, he has done so much for Edo people. Just like what Mr. President did immediately, he was inaugurated. He hit the ground running. That is what Senator Okpebholo has done today by making sure there are no excuses.
“Assuming that the Supreme Court had ruled against him, what it would have meant is that for a few months, he showed the people of Edo that he was committed to work for them. I do not identify with failure. I identify with people who mean well for their people. One of the things that you have done for bringing back this new Edo line is to solve the problem of insecurity.
“You have also resolved the problem of students, women and men travelling. You have actually shown your support for our President in practical terms in performance. Your performance will give you the confidence to always come home even after your tenure as Governor.
“I have come to identify with you because you mean well for the people of Edo State. Leadership is not easy because people will throw all kinds of things at you.”