Wike Backs Okpebholo on Peter Obi Security Protocol Controversy in Edo State

Nyesom Wike supports Governor Okpebholo’s stance on visitor protocol, emphasizing that it is standard for safeguarding lives, not a political statement.

In a political atmosphere where every statement and action is often interpreted through a partisan lens, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has found himself at the center of a heated debate concerning public security and political protocol. The controversy began after Okpebholo emphasized the need for proper communication and clearance when high-profile individuals like former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi visit Edo State. The clarification came during the commissioning of a major transportation infrastructure project in Benin City. As expected, the governor’s statement sparked political interpretations and online criticisms, prompting a response from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who openly backed Okpebholo’s position and reaffirmed that such protocols are standard security procedures, not politically motivated moves.
This blog post takes a deeper look into the event, the broader implications for state governance and security, and the reasons behind the support from powerful political figures like Wike.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2025, the people of Edo State witnessed the commissioning of the refurbished New Edo Line Transport Company in Benin City. The project is one of the governor’s flagship initiatives aimed at reviving the state’s ailing public transport system, improving intra-city mobility, and supporting economic activities for traders, students, civil servants, and rural communities.
The event drew dignitaries and political stakeholders from across Nigeria, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and other high-profile attendees. It was supposed to be a celebration of progress and policy-driven leadership, but the conversation quickly turned to another issue: Peter Obi's recent visit to the state.

While addressing the audience during the commissioning, Governor Okpebholo took the opportunity to clarify his earlier remarks concerning Peter Obi’s visit to Edo State. He stressed that the statement was not politically motivated but borne out of genuine concern for the safety and security of all residents and visitors, especially high-profile individuals.

“My job is to protect lives, including those of all Edo people and visitors,” Okpebholo said firmly. “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, it is only appropriate that I be informed when high-profile individuals visit. It’s not about politics, this is about safety.”

He further recounted a personal tragedy where a police officer attached to a political guest lost his life during an uncoordinated movement, citing this as a cautionary tale on why communication with state authorities is necessary. Governor Okpebholo explained that official communication and security coordination are not new demands; they are essential governance norms that allow state apparatuses to function properly and mitigate risks, especially during volatile times. According to him, the need for prior notice and security planning ensures that adequate protective and logistical measures are in place.

Speaking during the same event, Nyesom Wike, the outspoken and influential Minister of the FCT, lent his voice to the debate. Wike stated categorically that informing the state government ahead of any high-profile visit is not just courtesy; it is standard security practice across all states, irrespective of political affiliations.

“When Mr. Obi visited me as Governor of Rivers State, he followed due process and obtained the necessary clearances,” Wike recalled. “These protocols are not political; they are simply for the visitor’s own security.”

Wike's remarks were viewed by many as a direct validation of Okpebholo’s position and a subtle call for political actors to distinguish governance from political showmanship.
In a country like Nigeria, where security threats, civil unrest, and high-profile abductions are not uncommon, maintaining a structure for high-level visits is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Governors, as chief security officers of their states, are legally and morally bound to ensure that both residents and visitors are protected. High-profile visits without prior notification can lead to logistical confusion, resource misallocation, or even tragic outcomes, as Governor Okpebholo painfully recalled.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s history is filled with incidents of political violence, botched rallies, and public chaos that could have been avoided with better communication between visiting dignitaries and the state.

Despite Okpebholo’s insistence on neutrality, his statement was immediately politicized by some quarters. Critics alleged that his insistence on protocol was a veiled attempt to embarrass opposition figures, particularly Mr. Peter Obi, who remains one of Nigeria’s most followed political personalities since the 2023 presidential elections. However, many have argued that this politicization ignores a simple administrative fact: even opposition figures are not above security protocols, especially when their presence could attract large crowds and generate logistical challenges.
Wike’s support, coming from a seasoned political heavyweight with a history of aligning and clashing with various political interests, further gives weight to Okpebholo’s clarification. It sends a clear message: governance should not be compromised on the altar of political sentiment.

Beyond the controversy, Tuesday’s commissioning of the New Edo Line was a significant milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s early months in office. The refurbished transport service is expected to:

• Reduce transportation costs for workers and students.
• Revive public trust in state-owned enterprises,
• Create jobs for drivers, maintenance staff, and administrative workers.
• Support rural-urban commerce through affordable logistics services.

Governor Okpebholo was quick to acknowledge the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the federal backing has enabled Edo State to embark on key public projects despite economic constraints.

In addition to Wike’s strong endorsement, former Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole also expressed satisfaction with the direction Okpebholo is steering the state. Oshiomhole, known for his influence in Edo politics, praised the administration for focusing on practical governance rather than engaging in needless political bickering.
Other stakeholders from the business community, civil society, and transport unions also praised the return of the New Edo Line as a testament to Okpebholo’s “project over politics” leadership style.

Wrapping up the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented development and public safety, declaring that no amount of online trolling or political blackmail would deter him from doing what is right for the people of Edo State.

“My focus is on projects that will touch the lives of our people. We will not be distracted,” he declared.

His message was clear: this government will prioritize action over attention, service over squabbles, and security over sentiment.
Gov Okpebholo Clarifies Peter Obi Comment: A Matter of Protocol and Security, Not Politics
The events in Edo State highlight a broader truth in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape: the need for leaders at all levels to practice responsible governance, even in the face of political rivalry and public misunderstanding. Protocols, security procedures, and governance systems are not personal attacks; they are structural necessities. And when leaders like Governor Okpebholo stand by these principles, and respected voices like Nyesom Wike affirm them, it sets a tone for better political engagement nationwide. As Nigeria prepares for future elections and political transitions, the Edo example serves as a reminder that real leadership is measured not by political affiliations but by service delivery, transparency, and public safety.

By PrimeLineInfo