Gov Okpebholo Clarifies Peter Obi Comment: A Matter of Protocol and Security, Not Politics

Governor Okpebholo Clarifies Peter Obi Comment: It Was About Security Protocol, Not Politics

The political atmosphere in Nigeria is often charged with emotion, especially when statements involving prominent figures like Peter Obi are made. Recently, a comment by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, sparked nationwide attention. During a political rally in Uromi, the governor appeared to suggest that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, should not visit the state without official clearance from the government. This statement led to widespread speculation, political interpretations, and media sensationalism. However, on Sunday, Governor Okpebholo clarified his remarks, stressing that they were never meant as a threat but as a reminder of the importance of security protocol and due process. In this post, we will break down the governor's clarification, the issues of security he raised, the spiritual and moral dimensions he invoked, and what this situation teaches about the balance between politics and public safety.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who only recently assumed office as the Executive Governor of Edo State, found himself in the middle of a controversy after a public rally where he stated that Peter Obi should not visit the state without government clearance. The statement was made during a defection rally, an event usually loaded with political energy. The media and the political opposition quickly latched on to his statement, interpreting it as a political attack or an attempt to intimidate Peter Obi, a highly popular figure, especially among Nigerian youths. But in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Governor clarified that the remark was not intended to be confrontational. Rather, it was a reminder about standard security and administrative procedures, particularly for high-profile figures or politically exposed persons (PEPs).

According to the governor, his duty as the chief security officer of Edo State is to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. When high-profile political figures visit any state, their presence naturally draws attention, large crowds, and potential media coverage. While such visits can be beneficial, they can also create security challenges.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized:

"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."

In recent years, Nigeria has faced a surge in insecurity, especially with attacks on religious leaders, abductions, and killings. Edo State, unfortunately, has had its share of these tragedies, including the kidnapping of seminarians and the murder of clergy. In such a climate, public events involving political figures need to be handled with care. This, the Governor said, was the true intention behind his statement, not an attack on Peter Obi or any other politician. Another layer to the Governor’s statement involved Peter Obi’s public donations to churches and religious institutions. While praising the noble intent behind giving, the Governor advised that such acts should be discreet, in line with both security intelligence and moral teaching.
He pointed out that:

"Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to danger."

He also quoted the Bible in Matthew 6:2-4, which advises believers to give in secret, without announcing it with trumpets, so that the act of charity is not corrupted by showmanship or pride.
This, according to Okpebholo, is not just a spiritual principle but a practical guideline, especially in today's volatile environment. Making large public donations without security clearance could inadvertently make religious institutions or their leaders targets for criminal elements.
In an interesting twist, the Governor also pointed out a historical irony:

“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.”

This reference to a past incident during Peter Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State was intended to draw attention to the fact that governors have always exercised discretion and enforced protocols when it comes to high-profile visits, especially those with political implications. Rather than vilify Governor Okpebholo for doing the same, he suggested that the public should recognize the constitutional role governors play in safeguarding their states.

The clarification by Governor Okpebholo has drawn mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. While his supporters and many neutral observers have acknowledged the validity of his concerns, some critics insist that his timing and tone were unnecessarily confrontational. However, it’s clear from the CPS Fred Itua’s statement that the government’s intent was not to bar Peter Obi or any politician but to ensure coordination with the state security apparatus for public safety.

This incident brings to light a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the need for mutual respect between political leaders and strict adherence to security protocols, regardless of political affiliations. As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex socio-political and security landscape, transparency, coordination, and communication will be crucial to maintaining order.
It also raises questions like:

• Should political leaders seek clearance before visiting a state for public functions?
• What should be the standard protocol for such visits?
• Is it possible to strike a balance between political freedom and security control?

These are issues that demand not just legal attention but also political maturity and responsibility from all sides.

For someone like Peter Obi, whose grassroots popularity and generosity have earned him admiration, there’s also a responsibility to ensure that acts of charity do not unintentionally endanger those he seeks to help. Similarly, for governors and state officials like Okpebholo, there’s a need to communicate intentions clearly and tactfully so that such directives are not misinterpreted as political intimidation.
The Edo State Government’s approach to this matter, by issuing an official clarification, reflects a positive step in diplomatic crisis management, one that other leaders can learn from.
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While political rivalries are inevitable, especially in a democratic society like Nigeria, there must be a commitment among all leaders to avoid politicizing issues of public safety and moral conduct.
Governor Okpebholo concluded by advising politicians and citizens alike:

“The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”

In conclusion, the clarification by Governor Monday Okpebholo should help calm tensions and steer the conversation back to the real issue: ensuring the safety and well-being of all Edo residents and visitors. His statement serves as a reminder that security is not just a government obligation but a shared responsibility. Regardless of political persuasion, Nigeria needs leaders who are bold enough to speak the truth, yet humble enough to explain their intentions when misunderstood. As the country continues to grapple with security challenges, economic hardship, and political uncertainty, it is important that every public figure, whether Governor, former presidential candidate, or community leader, act with wisdom, discretion, and a deep sense of responsibility.

By PrimeLineInfo