Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed that he did not regret his warning to the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, telling him to get clearance before visiting the state.
Tribune Online reports that the governor, speaking at a defection rally held in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area, on Friday, told the former Anambra governor not to visit the state without informing him, warning that he (Obi) should take whatever happens to him in the state without his clearance.
Governor Okpebholo’s warning sparked reaction from Nigerians, especially Peter Obi’s OBIdient support base, condemning the governor for allegedly declaring as ‘persona non grata’ in Edo. Also, notable politicians like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party frowned at the statement from the governor.
But Okpebholo, at an event attended by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, said he has no regret for what he said to Obi, adding that he has the responsibility of protecting the lives of both Edo citizens and visitors.
“I’m not going to talk much. Even when I said I don’t talk, just one word, one sentence; everybody was crying. I simply said, it was advice; ‘don’t come to Edo without telling me.’ Was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus 3 to make my sentence? Do I need to read an Encyclopedia for people to understand what I am saying?,” the governor said.
Continuing, Okpebholo repeated the warning statement, insisting that Obi must notify him before coming to the state.
“My job is not only to work for Edo people. My job is to save the lives of Edo citizens and visitors coming into Edo. If telling him to notify as the Chief Security Officer of this state is a crime, so be it. I have no regret about it. I repeat it: ‘Before you come into Edo state, notify me.’ It’s not a threat,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tribune Online reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has stirred controversy after openly declaring his hatred for the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting he has every right to express such a sentiment.
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